06/03/2026
Are rental real estate activities eligible for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction? The answer is a distinct “maybe.” This tax break allows eligible sole proprietors and owners of “pass-through” entities to deduct up to 20% of QBI. Pass-through entities include partnerships, S corporations and most limited liability companies. However, income from a rental real estate activity is QBI only if the activity rises to the level of a trade or business or meets an IRS safe harbor, which generally requires separate records, sufficient rental services and specific documentation. Various limits and other restrictions also apply.