{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) and how does it work in a 1031 exchange?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “DSTs are the ‘retirement vehicle’ of 1031 exchanges. You sell your active rental property, exchange into a DST, and receive passive income from institutional real estate without any landlord responsibilities. The DST qualifies as like-kind property under IRS Revenue Ruling 2004-86, so all capital gains and depreciation recapture are fully deferred. For Tempe investors approaching retirement or simply wanting to exit active management, a DST exchange is one of the most powerful options available. KDA coordinates DST exchanges and can connect you with qualified DST sponsors.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is a real estate syndication and how is it taxed?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “A real estate syndication pools capital from multiple investors to purchase larger properties — apartment complexes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities — that individual investors couldn’t afford alone. Syndications are typically structured as LLCs or limited partnerships, with a general partner (the operator) and limited partners (the investors). Tax treatment: investors receive a K-1 showing their share of income, losses, depreciation, and other items. Passive losses from syndications are subject to passive activity rules — they can only offset passive income unless you qualify for REPS. KDA’s Tempe team advises both syndication operators and investors on tax optimization.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the tax treatment of real estate crowdfunding investments?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The tax reporting for real estate crowdfunding is more complex than most Tempe investors expect. Each platform investment generates a K-1 (often late), and the passive activity rules apply to losses. Some platforms conduct cost segregation studies that generate large depreciation deductions — but these passive losses are only useful if you have passive income to offset or qualify for REPS. KDA’s Tempe real estate CPA team will review all your crowdfunding K-1s, track passive loss carryforwards, and integrate platform investments into your comprehensive tax strategy.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What expenses can I deduct for my Airbnb or short-term rental property?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Short-term rental owners in Tempe can deduct: mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities (if you pay them), cleaning and maintenance, property management fees, Airbnb/VRBO platform fees, furnishings and appliances (via bonus depreciation), linens and supplies, repairs, advertising and photography, professional fees (CPA, attorney), and depreciation on the building and improvements. If you use the property personally, deductions must be prorated between rental and personal use days. KDA’s Tempe team will ensure you capture every allowable deduction and apply the correct proration method.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can a real estate CPA help me if I only own one rental property?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes — and in many cases, a single rental property owner benefits the most from professional guidance because they’re less likely to know the strategies available to them. A cost segregation study on a single property can generate $15,000–$40,000 in first-year deductions. Proper passive activity loss tracking can unlock deductions in future years. KDA’s Tempe team makes these strategies accessible to investors at every level.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is the short-term rental tax loophole and how does it work?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The short-term rental (STR) tax loophole allows investors to use losses from qualifying STR properties to offset W-2 income, business income, or other active income — bypassing the passive activity loss rules that normally prevent rental losses from offsetting non-passive income. To qualify, your STR must have an average guest stay of 7 days or fewer, AND you must materially participate in the rental activity (500+ hours per year, or meeting one of the other material participation tests). KDA’s Tempe team has helped dozens of high-income W-2 earners use this strategy to eliminate five and six-figure tax bills.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How does Airbnb income get reported on my tax return?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Airbnb income is reported differently depending on your average rental period. If the average stay is MORE than 7 days, it’s reported on Schedule E (passive rental income) — no self-employment tax, and losses are subject to passive activity rules. If the average stay is 7 days or FEWER and you provide substantial services (like a hotel), it may be reported on Schedule C (active business income) — subject to self-employment tax but eligible for the STR loophole. Most Airbnb hosts in Tempe report on Schedule E. KDA’s team will determine the correct reporting method for your specific rental.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can I do a cost segregation study on a property I’ve owned for years?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes — this is called a ‘catch-up’ or ‘look-back’ cost segregation study, and it’s one of the most powerful strategies for investors who have owned properties for years without doing a study. Using IRS Form 3115, you can claim all the accelerated depreciation you should have taken in prior years as a single deduction in the current year. No amended returns required. KDA’s Tempe team regularly identifies six-figure deduction opportunities for investors who thought they had already maximized their depreciation.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How much does a real estate CPA cost in Tempe?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Think of a real estate CPA not as a cost but as an investment with a measurable ROI. KDA clients in Tempe typically save $10,000–$50,000+ in taxes annually through strategies like cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and REPS election — savings that far exceed our fees. Schedule a free consultation and we’ll show you exactly what your portfolio can save.”
}
}, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How do I handle security deposits for tax purposes?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Security deposits are NOT taxable income when received — they are liabilities (you owe them back to the tenant). They become taxable only when you apply them to unpaid rent or damages (at which point they become rental income). If you return the full deposit, there is no tax consequence. For Tempe landlords, the key is keeping security deposits in a separate account and tracking them carefully. KDA’s team will ensure your security deposit accounting is correct and that you’re not inadvertently reporting them as income.”
}
}
]
}