Tax Tips For Real Estate Investors

Taxes are part of every financial transaction. While many investors have mastered the art of tax planning, newer Canadians buying real estate may not understand how quickly seemingly viable investments can turn into financial disasters. 

Mitigating the amount of tax deducted from your income ahead of tax season is a form of tax planning that can help investors build their wealth and grow as an investor. 

For Canadian real estate investors, understanding the different tax implications, tax strategies, and tax deductibles will help you keep money in your own pocket. 

3 Tax Planning Tips For Real Estate Business Owners

If you're a real estate investor purchasing anything from business offices to residential homes, you are likely well-versed in the areas of real estate, investing, and wealth building. However, when tax season rolls around, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed. 

Here are some real estate financial and tax tips that can come in handy for both Canadian real estate agents and investors before the season hits. 

1. Familiarize Yourself With The Tax Filing Process

One of the first and most important tax tips for a Canadian real estate investor is to become familiar with the Canadian filing process, especially how it relates to property ownership. 

In 2023, the filing deadline for your 2022 tax return is May 1, 2023. While that may be a few months away, it's important that you understand what is needed ahead of the deadline. 

Real estate and the tax policies involved in these property transactions are complicated. Without knowing the tax rates, rules, and regulations involved, you are setting yourself up for disaster. 

Keep your documents and forms organized 

For all small business owners, including real estate investors, keeping your forms organized will save you a lot of time and stress when tax season hits and you have to submit your business and personal tax return. 

In today's world, digital forms and files are the easiest way to stay organized. There are so many different financial and accounting tools out there that can help you organize your digital real estate files. 

In Canada, you have the obligation of reporting any sales or rental income made as a direct result of real estate investing. This involves the sale of one of your real estate investments or the income you make as a landlord. 

As well, if you own rental properties and employ property managers, you will need to complete a T4 form for your employees. 

Use a Chartered accountant (CPA) 

With so many different forms that serve different purposes, one of the best real estate tax tips out there is seeking professional help from an accounting and tax planning accountant. 

Chartered accountants can provide expert money-saving advice and can also be hired to file your tax returns for you. 

As a real estate investor, you should see our CPA who specializes in or has experience directly related to real estate investing. These professionals can provide practical advice on tax rules and financial planning specific to real estate. 

While there are associated accounting fees, paying for a professional can save you time, money, and a headache in the long run. 

2. Understand Write-Offs and Tax Deduction

Another important Canadian-specific tip for real estate investors is understanding the write-off opportunities and deductibles available to you. 

Generally speaking, self-employed business owners or investors should track all of their business expenses and keep their receipts. When you have a business expense, you can "write it off" and reduce your taxable income. 

If you invest in real estate or are self-employed, be sure to track all of your business expenses and keep those receipts or credit card statements handy so that they can be used for tax purposes. 

Not only will these receipts help you save money, but it will help you stay organized and keep proper records of your real estate transactions on investment properties. 

Tax deductions are also used to lower your tax bill for a specific tax year. A tax-deductible is an item that you can subtract from your total taxable income. There are many different types of tax deductions out there, so successfully navigating which ones match your personal situation will be important. in order to minimize your tax paid. 

Some potential tax deductions for your upcoming filing include things like: 

• Marketing materials 

• Real estate training, coaching, or educational costs 

• Licensing and renewal fees 

• Transportation including maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance, and parking for business purposes 

• Home office expenses 

3. Reinvest Your Income Into The Market

As many investing and business professionals know, you need to spend money to make money. When it comes to real estate tax tips, the same rule can be applied. 

When you make money from the sale of an investment or rental property, you will pay tax on this. However, when you reinvest that income by putting it towards another investment, it can help lower your tax rate and save you money when tax time hits. 

What's important here is to plan ahead. You don't want to just throw your money into the market without some strategy as this can easily end up costing you more money than what you would have paid on the income. 

This is where you can consider working with real estate agents to help you find a property to invest in that makes sense for your financial situation. 

Conclusion

When it comes to investing in the real estate market, there are so many things to consider and keep track of, especially regarding taxes. Don't waste until the last week before the deadline to start preparing your return. Preparing things ahead of time will go a long way and save you time and money in the long run. 

Taxes don't have to reduce your take-home income significantly if you are adequately prepared and knowledgeable in the realm of tax. For real estate agents and investors alike, these tips can help you make wise financial decisions. 

Working with a real estate agent or chartered accountant can help you save money and prepare your documents for your next tax season. Once you understand the different strategies and planning options, you can continue to grow your wealth as an investor!