December 26, 2018
Real estate investors have reason to celebrate in the upcoming tax season: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly expanded the first-year tax breaks for bonus depreciation and Section 179 deductions. But Congress may need to fix one intended change before it can benefit investors. And there are some pitfalls to consider before taking advantage of first-year depreciation breaks for real estate.
Historically, companies that wanted their employees to be protected with health coverage, but didn't want the hassle of having a company health plan, could simply give employees an amount of money sufficient to reimburse them for the cost of buying that coverage or some portion of it. As long as the individuals provided evidence that they used those funds for that purpose, the dollars were excludable from taxable income for the employees.
Real estate investors have reason to celebrate in the upcoming tax season: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly expanded the first-year tax breaks for bonus depreciation and Section 179 deductions. But Congress may need to fix one intended change before it can benefit investors. And there are some pitfalls to consider before taking advantage of first-year depreciation breaks for real estate.
Historically, companies that wanted their employees to be protected with health coverage, but didn't want the hassle of having a company health plan, could simply give employees an amount of money sufficient to reimburse them for the cost of buying that coverage or some portion of it. As long as the individuals provided evidence that they used those funds for that purpose, the dollars were excludable from taxable income for the employees.
