Passive Activity Loss


Passive Activity Loss (PAL)

A loss incurred in participating in passive investing.

Passive Activity Loss

A loss resulting from a passive investment. For example, rental income is considered passive; if a tenant does not pay his/her rent, this may be considered a passive income loss. Passive income losses may only offset passive income gains; they may not offset earned income. Furthermore, passive income loss may not be carried back; it may only be carried forward.

passive activity loss

The situation when expenses are greater than income from a passive activity.