Real estate rental income is business income but is not subject to Social Security taxes. Real estate rentals are also considered passive activities. Generally, passive activity losses are only deductible to the extent of passive activity income. An exception allows most individuals to annually deduct up to $25,000 ($12,500 for married filing separate taxpayers who live apart the entire tax year) of real estate rental losses. This dollar limit phases out ratably at AGI between $100,000 and $150,000 ($50,000 and $75,000 for married filing separate taxpayers who live apart the entire tax year). Any unallowed passive loss will carry over to future years. If you qualify as a real estate professional, the passive loss limitations will not apply to your real estate rental activities.