How to Escape Being a Landlord: 5 Tax Tips for Military Service Members

Military families often build real estate portfolios through VA loans and PCS moves, but managing properties can eventually become impractical or unpleasant. This breakout session with Ian Gates will explore strategies for stepping back while minimizing tax impacts, starting with simple solutions and progressing to more advanced approaches.

Ian will discuss the personal residence capital gains exclusion for Military Members under 26 U.S. Code § 121(d)(9) and provide tips on shopping for property managers. He will then explain property exchanges allowed by §1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, highlighting how to enable heirs to benefit from a step-up in basis. Finally, Ian will describe how Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) can provide passive income and diversification, plus allow transitioning into UPREITs to avoid repeated reinvestment requirements.

Throughout, Ian will introduce attendees to the math behind these tactics. Participants will leave empowered to make intentional, informed decisions while avoiding common pitfalls.

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