Tax question with home equity loans

[Grady L.]

Forgive me if this has been asked before. I have searched and haven't found anything. I am trying to figure out all of the tax pitfalls when it comes to using a home equity loan to purchase additional rentals. Here is my situation: 1) I plan on pulling a home equity loan on a current rental to the tune of 35k. I am sure this would be used for a down on another rental somewhere in the future. 2) In the next few months I plan on doing the same thing with my primary home but to the tune of around a 100k. I have heard that is the magic number that can present issues. Never been told what those issues are though. Are there more rules on using a rental equity to purchase another rental? What changes when you go over 100k from a tax prospective? Are there any rules against using both of them combined to leverage on one large purchase? Thanks in advance for any advice or links to info!

[Lance Lvovsky]

Under the interest tracing rules, to the extent you use any mortgage/home equity to purchase a rental, the interest expense would be traced to that rental and deducted on your Schedule E (assuming the property is bought in your name).

Be sure to consult with a CPA who can advise you accordingly, and help you ensure you follow the requirements as set forth under the regulations.