Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

REIT Investments Spike Due to Relaxation of Tax Rules

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: January 18, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Relaxation of REIT Tax Rules

More investors have begun incorporating real estate investments trust into their portfolios as the Internal Revenue Service takes a more relaxed stance on how REITs are structured for tax purposes.

More investors have begun incorporating real estate investments trust into their portfolios as the Internal Revenue Service takes a more relaxed stance on how REITs are structured for tax purposes.

Strict rules surrounding these accounts previously excluded individual investors and small businesses from this type of investment, and instead only opened them REITs up to large institutional investors. In recent months, however, more baby boomers who are trying to bolster retirement income, as well as small businesses, are showing more interest in these funds and utilizing them for wealth-building purposes, according to Forbes. In addition, more companies are converting to an REIT structure to gain tax benefits.

This is primarily because the IRS, in recent months, has taken a more flexible viewpoint regarding what qualifies as real property, and this relaxation has enabled more companies to convert to this structure. As more businesses can include structures, such as billboards, shelving, cellphone towers and other infrastructure as real property, investing in real estate has become more profitable for all involved. Further, an expansion of the REIT industry enables investors to continue diversifying their portfolios in an era where tax law changes and uncertainties have made investors skittish, Forbes reports.

While the IRS has relaxed its standards of what may qualify as an REIT, some uncertainty still lingers. For example, the federal tax agency has not yet ruled whether solar farms would qualify as an REIT. The solar industry has been hurt recently as a result of some notable bankruptcies, but is still viewed by many investors as an up and coming industry.

However, as the IRS continues to further clarify these definitions, there may be a shift where businesses and individuals invest.

If you would like to speak about the topic above regarding your own REIT Investments, please call me, Frank L. Brunetti.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate post image

Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate

The Fort Monmouth redevelopment has entered its execution phase, and it is repositioning the broader Monmouth County real estate market. When Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority closed on the 292-acre Mega Parcel in December 2025, the transaction did more than hand over a deed. It marked the moment Fort Monmouth stopped being […]

Author: Donald M. Pepe

Link to post with title - "Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate"
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand post image

Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand

Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]

Author: Donald M. Pepe

Link to post with title - "Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand"
Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them post image

Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them

The five most common real estate disputes are breach of contract claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning and land use disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes. Understanding why each arises, and taking preventive steps early, can help property owners, tenants, developers, and investors avoid costly litigation. Key Takeaways: Real estate transactions are complex endeavors involving numerous parties […]

Author: Paul Grossman

Link to post with title - "Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them"
When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan post image

When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan

Once a child turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy or directive, and a HIPAA authorization. For […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan"
Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips post image

Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips

Business mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps companies negotiate a resolution to a commercial dispute without going to trial. Because working with a mediator is very different from litigating in the courtroom, it is important to understand how commercial mediation works, when it makes sense for your dispute, […]

Author: Paul Grossman

Link to post with title - "Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips"
Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation post image

Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation

The five most common causes of construction defect litigation are design defects, substandard materials, workmanship defects, code violations, and subsurface defects. Because these flaws can compromise a building’s integrity, functionality, or safety, they frequently lead to disputes involving multiple parties and high financial stakes. Key takeaways: What is Construction Defect Litigation? Construction litigation is complex, […]

Author: Paul Grossman

Link to post with title - "Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.
“If you would like to submit a file, please email it directly to info@sh-law.com.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!