House leaders took a significant step forward with tax reform efforts on Thursday with the release of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, H.R.1, which includes an expansive set of propsed changes to the corporate and individual tax system.
In this proposal:
Section 1031 like-kind exchanges are preserved for real estate.
Current tax treatment of carried interest is preserved.
Deductibility of interest on debt is maintained for those involved in real property trades or businesses, including commercial real estate development.
Current eight individual tax brackets are condensed into four brackets: 12 percent, 25 percent, 35 percent and 39.6 percent. The top rate of 39.6 percent would apply to income levels of more than $500,000 for an individual and $1 million for couples.
Corporate tax rates are reduced from the current 35 percent to 20 percent.
Pass-through businesses (such as partnerships and limited liability companies) will pay a new, lower top rate of 25 percent on their business income, subject to certain restrictions.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is eliminated.
Estate tax threshold is doubled (from the current $11.2 million for married couples), and phased out entirely by 2024. The step-up in cost basis on assets is retained.
Deduction for state and local taxes limited only to property tax and capped at $10,000. (Currently, state and local income and sales taxes can also be deducted.).
Starting next Monday, the House Ways & Means Committee will begin marking up the legislation. The president has expressed his desire to accelerate tax reform and sign a bill before the end of the year.
Our legislative team will continue to work closely with elected officials and congressional staff to ensure that they recognize the critical importance of commercial real estate for a healthy U.S. economy.
Regards,
Thomas J. Bisacquino
President and CEO | NAIOP
(703) 904-7100 | president@naiop.org
www.naiop.org