The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 added new reporting requirements relating to rental property expenses. Pursuant to Section 6041(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, all persons engaged in a trade or business are required to report certain payments made of $600 or more, providing information regarding the recipient of such payment.
Pursuant to new Section 6041(h), a person receiving rental income from real estate is deemed to be engaged in a trade or business for purposes of Section 6041(a). The reporting burden is therefore imposed upon individuals engaged in passive real estate rental activities. This new provision will impose the reporting obligation upon significant numbers of individuals not currently subject to the requirements. Persons engaged in real estate rental activities should consult with their tax advisers to ensure compliance.
