QBI with or without Safe Harbor?

[FlyFisher99]

I'm an individual with 3 rental properties, have claimed QBI deduction in past.  Now wondering if there is an advantage to also choosing Safe Harbor.   Safe Harbor introduces Section 199A form which must be signed, which eliminates E-filing.  Not a big deal, but am trying to figure what advantages Safe Harbor brings me?

[MaryM428]

One advantage of Safe Harbor is to benefit from the 20 percent QBI deduction.  Since you are already claiming the QBI, that is not an advantage to you.  The other advantage is whether items are expensed or depreciated.  With safe harbor items costing 2500 or less can be expenses instead of depreciated items.

That use of the safe harbor may be advantageous to your rental property expenses.

Here is a TurboTax article about Safe harbor.
 

[Mike9241]

the safe harbor specifies certain criteria all of which must be met to qualify.  TurboTax does offer the electronic version of the election just enter "safe" - no quotes in the form search box. the election must be included each year you want it to apply.  the advantage is if you qualify and make the election, the IRS can't challenge the treatment of your real estate as a trade or business.