Kristin Graf is trying to decide how to invest a $10,000 inheritance. One option is to make an additional investment in Rocky Road Excursions in which she has an at-risk basis of $0, suspended losses under the at-risk rules of $7,000, and suspended passive activity losses of $1,000. If Kristin makes this investment, her share of the expected profits this year will be $8,000. If her investment stays the same, her share of profits from Rocky Road Excursions will be $1,000. Another option is to invest $10,000 as a limited partner in the Ragged Mountain Winery; this investment will produce passive activity income of $9,000. Complete the letter to Kristin to review the tax consequences of each alternative. Kristin is in the 28% tax bracket. If an amount is zero, enter "0".

Dear Kristin: This letter is in response to your request for assistance in analyzing the tax consequences from two investment alternatives. One alternative is to make an additional investment of $10,000 in Rocky Road Excursions. The other choice is to invest $10,000 as a limited partner in the Ragged Mountain Winery. The following analysis is based on these facts.

Invest $10,000 in Rocky Road Excursions:

Expected profit from investment $

Beginning at-risk basis $

Increase to at-risk basis due to profit $

Increase to at-risk basis due to investment $

Use of loss suspended by at-risk rules $

Ending at-risk basis $

Beginning suspended passive activity loss $

Reclassified suspended passive activity loss $

Use of suspended passive activity losses—revised $

Current taxable income $

Current tax liability $

Invest $10,000 in Ragged Mountain Winery:

Expected profit from investment—Ragged Mountain Winery $

Expected profit from investment—Rocky Road Excursions $

Use of suspended passive activity losses from Rocky Road Excursions $

Current taxable income $

Current tax liability $

As you can see, the tax effects of the two options vary significantly due to the interplay of the at-risk and passive activity loss rules. This analysis should help you make a more informed investment decision. If you need any further explanation, please contact me. Sincerely, Libba Eanes, CPA Partner