Skip to content
  • About
    • About Us
    • The ESCPA Difference
    • Client Testimonials
    • Careers
      • Work With Us
      • Partnership Program
  • Locations
    • Austin
    • Houston
    • The Woodlands
  • Insights
  • Business Services
    • Tax Advisory & Preparation
    • Accounting & Compliance
    • Outsourced CFO
    • Other Business Services
      • 1031 Exchange
      • Cost Segregation
      • Entity Selection
      • Foreign Tax Compliance
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Payroll
      • Research & Development Tax Credits
    • Accounting Services by Industry
      • Construction
      • Family Offices
      • Franchises
      • Health Care
      • Leisure & Hospitality
      • Maintenance
      • Manufacturing & Distribution
      • Oil & Gas
      • Professional Services
      • Real Estate
      • Retail
      • Technology
  • Individual Services
    • Tax Advisory and Preparation
    • Wealth Transfer Planning
    • Trust & Estate Planning
    • Wealth Management
  • About
    • About Us
    • The ESCPA Difference
    • Client Testimonials
    • Careers
      • Work With Us
      • Partnership Program
  • Locations
    • Austin
    • Houston
    • The Woodlands
  • Insights
  • Business Services
    • Tax Advisory & Preparation
    • Accounting & Compliance
    • Outsourced CFO
    • Other Business Services
      • 1031 Exchange
      • Cost Segregation
      • Entity Selection
      • Foreign Tax Compliance
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Payroll
      • Research & Development Tax Credits
    • Accounting Services by Industry
      • Construction
      • Family Offices
      • Franchises
      • Health Care
      • Leisure & Hospitality
      • Maintenance
      • Manufacturing & Distribution
      • Oil & Gas
      • Professional Services
      • Real Estate
      • Retail
      • Technology
  • Individual Services
    • Tax Advisory and Preparation
    • Wealth Transfer Planning
    • Trust & Estate Planning
    • Wealth Management
GET STARTED

Avoid Net Investment Income Tax With Active Participation

The net investment income tax is a 3.8% tax on investment income. It can be avoided with active participation.

Home » Tax » Avoid Net Investment Income Tax With Active Participation
Avoid net investment income tax by active participation with a CPA near by

How to Avoid NIIT

The net investment income tax (NIIT) is a tax that applies to certain individuals, estates, and trusts with higher levels of income from investment activities. The tax was implemented as part of the Affordable Care Act and is intended to help fund healthcare reform. The tax is calculated as 3.8% of the lesser of an individual’s net investment income or the excess of their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over certain thresholds. One way to potentially reduce or eliminate the net investment income tax is by claiming active participation in certain investment activities.

The IRS defines active participation as regularly and substantially participating in the management of a rental real estate activity or a trade or business in which the taxpayer does not materially participate.

Have Questions About Avoid Net Investment Income Tax With Active Participation?

Contact an experienced professional today at Evans Sternau CPA
Schedule a Consultation & Call

To qualify as an active participant in a rental real estate activity, the taxpayer must play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of the property. This could include screening tenants, collecting rent, managing repairs and maintenance, and overseeing property management companies. To qualify as an active participant in a trade or business, the taxpayer must be involved in the business’s operations on a regular, continuous, and substantial basis. This could include being an owner, manager, or employee of the business.

Claiming active participation can be beneficial because it can potentially reduce or eliminate the net investment income tax on investment income generated from the activity in which the taxpayer is actively participating. However, the rules surrounding active participation can be complex, so it’s essential to consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility and properly document participation.

In conclusion, the net investment income tax can be a significant tax burden for individuals with higher levels of investment income. Claiming active participation in rental real estate activities or non-material participation in trade or business can potentially reduce or eliminate the NIIT, so it’s important to understand the requirements and properly document participation.

About Evans Sternau CPA LLC

Evans Sternau CPA is seeking reform in an industry where responsiveness and availability are the exceptions – not the norm.

Our global network of committed CPAs and accountants places proactive thinking at the forefront of our work. With robust service offerings and client support strategies, we are always searching for opportunities to serve your best interests.

While our philosophy is rooted in tried and trusted methods, our execution surpasses the norm and redefines the standard.

Evans Sternau CPA provides proactive tax, accounting, and advisory services for business owners, entrepreneurs and individuals with complex tax challenges. Evans Sternau CPA is for those that want year round support, not just during tax season.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation.

author avatar
Chris Sternau
CPA and co-founder of Evans Sternau CPA, Chris offers trusted tax and financial expertise, drawing on over a decade of experience with businesses, individual clients, and families.
See Full Bio
social network icon
Evans Sternau CPA logo (white). To the right of the company name are four symbols that resemble "E" and "S".
  • About
  • Services
  • Careers
  • Call Now
  • Get Started
  • About
  • Services
  • Careers
  • Call Now
  • Get Started
Instagram Linkedin Twitter Facebook
832-482-4240
Contact Us

Get Started

About Us

Careers

Insights

Locations

Austin

Houston

The Woodlands

Business Services

Tax Advisory & Preparation

Accounting & Compliance 

Outsourced CFO 

Other Services

Individual Services

Tax Advisory & Preparation

Wealth Transfer Planning 

Trust & Estate Planning 

Get our newsletter!
/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */
Evans Sternau logo (in color). "Evans" is blue, "Sternau" is yellow – the name is to the left of four symbols that resemble "E" and "S".
  • About
    • About Us
    • The ESCPA Difference
    • Client Testimonials
    • Careers
      • Work With Us
      • Partnership Program
  • Locations
    • Austin
    • Houston
    • The Woodlands
  • Insights
  • Business Services
    • Tax Advisory & Preparation
    • Accounting & Compliance
    • Outsourced CFO
    • Other Business Services
      • 1031 Exchange
      • Cost Segregation
      • Entity Selection
      • Foreign Tax Compliance
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Payroll
      • Research & Development Tax Credits
    • Accounting Services by Industry
      • Construction
      • Family Offices
      • Franchises
      • Health Care
      • Leisure & Hospitality
      • Maintenance
      • Manufacturing & Distribution
      • Oil & Gas
      • Professional Services
      • Real Estate
      • Retail
      • Technology
  • Individual Services
    • Tax Advisory and Preparation
    • Wealth Transfer Planning
    • Trust & Estate Planning
    • Wealth Management
SCHEDULE A MEETING