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Taxation Insights on Real Estate Investment Trusts
When selling or liquidating Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) shares, the taxation depends on the holding period: short-term capital gains rates apply for holdings under one year, while long-term rates apply for those held beyond a year. REITs are generally classified as non-passive investments, preventing passive losses from direct rentals or syndicates from being used to offset REIT income, except for individuals qualifying as real estate professionals or utilizing the short-term rental loophole. Unlike direct rental ownership, income from REITs is treated similarly to dividends from stock, categorized as non-passive portfolio income. This difference complicates the offsetting of losses from other rental investments. However, a notable advantage of REITs is their eligibility for the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, allowing for a 20% deduction on qualified REIT dividends. This benefit is distinct from other types of stock investments and presents a unique tax advantage that should be considered by investors.