ColeenD3
Expert Alumni

Investors & landlords

@ciquo

 

Yes. That is correct. While the information below pertains to husband and wife, it is true for any multi-member LLC.

 

A qualified joint venture, for purposes of this provision, includes only businesses that are owned and operated by spouses as co-owners, and not in the name of a state law entity (including a limited partnership or limited liability company) (See below).

 

 Note also that mere joint ownership of property that is not a trade or business does not qualify for the election. The spouses must share the items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit in accordance with each spouse's interest in the business. The meaning of “material participation” is the same as under the passive activity loss rules in section 469(h) and the corresponding regulations (see Publication 925, Passive Activity and At-Risk Rules). Note that, except as provided in section 469(c)(7), rental real estate income or loss generally is passive under section 469, even if the material participation rules are satisfied, and filing as a qualified joint venture will not alter the character of passive income or loss.

 

You mentioned that both you and your wife own the LLC. You must then elect to be treated as a Partnership or Corporation. You do not qualify as a Qualified Joint Venture unless you are in a community property state.