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Passive Activity Loss Calculator

PAL rules restrict rental loss deductions — suspended and carried forward unless you qualify for the $25K active participation allowance. This calculator applies the phaseout and determines current-year deductible loss. Real estate professional status (REPS) unlocks full current-year deduction of rental losses. To qualify: spend more than 750 hours during the year in real property trades/businesses AND more than half of personal services in real estate. Document hours contemporaneously. Each rental property is a separate activity unless you file an election to group them — grouping is often advantageous but must be done explicitly on the return.

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Currently deductible

$12,500

Suspended (carried forward)

$5,500

Your $25K allowance after phaseout

$12,500

How the math works

$18K loss, $125K MAGI, active: allowance phased to $12,500. Deductible $12,500, suspended $5,500 carried forward.

At MAGI $150K+: allowance is zero unless REPS. Strategies: reduce MAGI via 401k max, QCDs, HSA. Or qualify for REPS (750+ hours real estate, more than half of work time). REPS unlocks full current-year rental loss deduction.

How to Use

  1. Enter rental loss and modified AGI.
  2. Confirm active participation.
  3. See deductible portion and suspended carryforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Active vs material participation?

Active = management decisions (approving tenants, setting rent). Material = 500+ hours/year (unlock real estate professional status). Active only qualifies for the $25K special allowance.

Phaseout?

$25K allowance phases out $1 for every $2 of MAGI over $100K. Completely phased out at MAGI $150K. Single and joint filers share same thresholds.

Suspended losses?

Carry forward indefinitely. Offset passive income in future years OR released in full when property is sold.

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