What Is an UPREIT?
Image source: Getty Images.
Continue Reading Below
An umbrella partnership real estate investment trust, or UPREIT, is an entity that REITs use to let property owners contribute their real estate property in exchange for operating partnership units that can be converted into REIT shares. Like a 1031 exchange, this transaction lets property owners avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated real estate.
The operating partnership, or OP, units received in an UPREIT transaction are generally similar to shares in the REIT, but they possess a few key differences. They'reequal in value to REIT shares, and their value can move up and down in the same manner. Additionally, the dividend distributions are equal to those paid to the REIT's shareholders. The major difference is their tax treatment. OP unit holders are deemed to earn a portion of the partnership's total income in each state where the REIT conducts business, which means they may have to report taxable income in multiple states. By contrast, REIT shareholders' income is taxable only in their home state, so only one state tax return is necessary. In addition, OP unit holders do not have voting rights, while REIT shareholders do.
OP units can be converted to REIT shares or cash, subject to certain restrictions, such as a minimum holding period.
<3>More From Fool.com
Continue Reading Below
Advertisement LeBron James: The Next Warren Buffett? Social Security: 3 Things to Know Before Taking Benefits Early 3 Social Security Secrets You Probably Don't Know There are several reasons why property owners may want to conduct an UPREIT transaction. Again, an UPREIT transaction allows the owner of an appreciated property to avoid capital gains tax, much like a 1031 exchange. This is because the investor is receiving an interest in the REIT's operating partnership, as opposed to shares in the REIT itself. Capital gains taxes on the property are deferred for as long as the OP units are held. Once the units are converted to REIT shares or cash, capital gains taxes will be due. In the event of an investor's death, units can be inherited with a stepped-up basis, thereby eliminating any taxable gain. This feature makes UPREIT transactions appealing for estate planning. In addition to the tax benefits, an UPREIT transaction has these potential benefits, to name a few: An UPREIT transaction can be a great option if you own investment properties that would produce substantial capital gains if sold, and if you want to take advantage of the benefits listed here. The $15,834 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook This article is part of The Motley Fool's Knowledge Center, which was created based on the collected wisdom of a fantastic community of investors. We'd love to hear your questions, thoughts, and opinions on the Knowledge Center in general or this page in particular. Your input will help us help the world invest, better! Email us atknowledgecenter@fool.com Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 daysconsidering a diverse range of insightsdisclosure policyBenefits of an UPREIT
If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $15,834 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.