Why is interest reported in Box 1 of K-1 (Form 1041) not considered part of investment income on Form 4952 and therefore not eligible for investment expense deduction?

[Spanky]

I received K-1 (Form 1041) with a small amount (<$10) reported in Box 1 as Interest.  This amount is showing up on Schedule B, Part 1, line 1 but is NOT included on line 4a on Form 4952 and therefore not part of the amount I can deduct on line 14 of Schedule A as Investment Interest.  Why is that?

[Anonymous_ · Accepted solution]

"Why is interest reported in Box 1 of K-1 (Form 1041) not considered part of investment income on Form 4952"

It is the figure on Line 14E (E Code) of your K-1 that gets transferred to Line 4a on your Form 4952 (see screenshot). 

Note that investment interest expense can be deducted at the entity level and, if so, will be deducted at that level first.

[Spanky]

My K-1 only shows Box 1 - Interest.  There is no Box 14.  Could that be because the amount is so small (<$10)?  Seems like the interest should be included in net investment income as it relates to income earned on GVUL investments.  Although the amount is not material, I would like to understand the concept.  Everything in Box 1 on 1099-INT flows thru to Form 4952 and I expected the same here.

[Anonymous_]

Everything on in Box 1 on your 1099-INT flows through to your Form 4952 on everything on the **trust's** 1099-INT flows through to the **trust's** Form 4952 (again, investment interest expense is deducted at the entity level before any of that expense is be passed through to the beneficiary on a K-1). So, basically you just have an entity in between you and your deduction (with the entity likely taking the deduction and, in the process, reducing your share of the taxable income).

[Spanky]

I see - thanks for that clarification!