CalculateRealEstateROI

BRRRR · Guide

BRRRR Tax Strategy

Rehab as capex, depreciation timing, refinance proceeds treatment, and entity considerations.

Reviewed by Keiron Brown, Founder & Editor, CalculateRealEstateROI · Educational estimates only — not investment, financial, tax, or legal advice

Key takeaways

  • Rehab = capex, depreciated 27.5 years.
  • Refi proceeds are tax-free.
  • Cost seg accelerates depreciation.
  • LLC pass-through avoids double taxation.
  • Track basis carefully across BRRRRs.

Core concepts

Capex treatment

Improvements added to basis; deducted over time.

Refi proceeds

Loan proceeds, not income — tax-free.

Cost seg

Reclassify 5/7/15-year components on each BRRRR.

Step-by-step framework

  1. 1Track basis: purchase + rehab + closing.
  2. 2Engage cost seg on each completed BRRRR.
  3. 3File LLC tax return annually.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Expensing capex.
  • Forgetting basis adjustment on refi.
  • Missing cost seg opportunity.

Frequently asked questions

Are refi proceeds taxable?

No — loan proceeds.

Cost seg minimum?

$300k basis.

LLC required?

Recommended at 3+ properties.

Pay self-employment tax?

No on rentals (typically).

Action checklist

  • Basis tracking.
  • Cost seg on each refi.
  • LLC return filed.
  • Real estate CPA engaged.

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