Close-up Of A Pink Piggybank With Eyeglasses And Calculator On Wooden DeskSeveral abusive tax shelters in the 1970s and 1980s caused Congress to enact rules to prevent taxpayers from deducting losses when a taxpayer doesn’t materially participate in the activity.  These passive loss rules apply to individuals (including partners and S Corp shareholders), trusts, estates, personal service corporations and sometimes closely held corporations. In short, these rules are a wide net that catches a lot of businesses and can impact a lot of taxpayers.  If an activity is determined to be a passive activity it may not only effect the losses claimed but could trigger a 3.8 percent increase from the net investment income tax. Knowing the passive activity rules, and how they apply, can help avoid a dispute or streamline arguments if the IRS questions business activities.  

Magnifying glass in front of an open newspaper with paper houses. Concept of rent, search, purchase real estate.Even if you are not a tax professional, many people have heard of a 1031 exchange or like-kind exchange. This tax deferral provision has been a permanent part of the Internal Revenue Code for a long time. Usually, if a taxpayer swaps an asset for another asset it is usually a taxable sale.  However, if the exchange comes within Section 1031, then it can generate no tax or limited tax due.  Essentially, a taxpayer can change their investment without, according to the IRS, cashing out or recognizing capital gain.