What is the capital gains tax rate for real estate syndications?

Learn about the capital gains tax rate applicable to real estate syndications and gain taxation insights for real estate investors.


The capital gains tax rate for real estate syndications in the United States is determined by several factors, including the type of capital gain (short-term or long-term), the taxpayer's overall income, and the applicable tax laws. Here's an overview of how capital gains taxes may apply to real estate syndications:

  1. Short-Term Capital Gains: If a real estate syndication investment is held for one year or less, any capital gains generated from the sale of the investment are considered short-term capital gains. Short-term capital gains are typically taxed at ordinary income tax rates, which can vary depending on the individual taxpayer's income and tax bracket. ordinary income tax rates can range from 10% to 37%.

  2. Long-Term Capital Gains: If the real estate syndication investment is held for more than one year, any capital gains from the sale are considered long-term capital gains. Long-term capital gains generally receive more favorable tax treatment.

    • For most taxpayers, long-term capital gains tax rates were 0%, 15%, or 20%, as of 2021. These rates are based on the taxpayer's overall income and filing status:

      • 0% for individuals with taxable income up to $40,400 (for singles) or $80,800 (for married couples filing jointly).
      • 15% for individuals with taxable income between $40,401 and $441,450 (for singles) or between $80,801 and $496,600 (for married couples filing jointly).
      • 20% for individuals with taxable income over $441,450 (for singles) or $496,600 (for married couples filing jointly).
    • High-income earners may also be subject to a 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) on the lesser of their net investment income or the amount by which their income exceeds certain thresholds ($200,000 for singles, $250,000 for married couples filing jointly).

  3. Depreciation Recapture: In real estate syndications, if a property was depreciated over time, there may be a depreciation recapture tax when the property is sold. Depreciation recapture is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 25%.

It's important to note that tax laws and rates can change over time. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with a tax professional or accountant who is knowledgeable about current tax regulations and can provide guidance specific to your real estate syndication investments and individual tax situation.

Additionally, real estate syndications often have complex tax structures, and tax implications can vary based on the specific terms of the syndication agreement. Therefore, investors in real estate syndications should seek guidance not only from tax professionals but also from legal and financial advisors who are familiar with the intricacies of these investments.

Capital Gains Tax Rate for Real Estate Syndications: Taxation Insights.

Real estate syndications are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to purchase and manage real estate properties. Syndications can be structured in a number of ways, but they typically involve the creation of a limited partnership or limited liability company.

Investors in real estate syndications are typically taxed as passive partners. This means that they are taxed on their distributive share of the syndication's income and losses, regardless of whether they actively participate in the syndication's management.

Capital gains from the sale of a real estate syndication's property are taxed as long-term capital gains, provided that the property has been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains tax rates are lower than ordinary income tax rates, so investors can save money on taxes by investing in real estate syndications.

The following are the long-term capital gains tax rates for 2023:

  • Married filing jointly:
    • 0% for taxable income up to $83,550
    • 15% for taxable income between $83,551 and $517,850
    • 20% for taxable income over $517,850
  • Single:
    • 0% for taxable income up to $41,775
    • 15% for taxable income between $41,776 and $459,750
    • 20% for taxable income over $459,750

It is important to note that these tax rates are subject to change. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how the capital gains tax rates will apply to your specific situation.

Here are some additional taxation insights for real estate syndications:

  • Passive losses: Investors in real estate syndications can deduct their passive losses from their ordinary income. This can be a valuable tax benefit for investors who have high ordinary income. However, there are some limitations on the amount of passive losses that investors can deduct.
  • Depreciation: Real estate syndications can depreciate their properties, which can reduce their taxable income. Depreciation is a non-cash expense, which means that it does not require any out-of-pocket cash payments.
  • State taxes: Real estate syndications may be subject to state income taxes. Investors in real estate syndications should consult with a tax professional to determine their state income tax liability.

Overall, real estate syndications can be a tax-efficient way to invest in real estate. However, it is important to understand the tax implications of investing in real estate syndications before investing. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how the tax rules will apply to your specific situation.