How We Help

Real Estate Companies

Our professionals can provide end-to-end real estate accounting and tax resolution support, freeing you to focus on converting sales and serving clients.

Opportunity Zones: Are They Still Worth It? A Look at the Permanent Renewal and Enhancement of the OZ Program

Building a Stronger Foundation for Real Estate Companies

For brokerages, construction firms and property management companies, tax compliance is about protecting your income and and growing your business. Our team works with real estate businesses to put solid accounting systems in place that withstand scrutiny and maximize profitability.

Maximizing Real Estate Tax Credits and Incentives

The tax code offers significant incentives for development and property management that standard accountants often overlook:

Energy Efficiency

We help developers navigate complex incentives, such as the Section 179D deduction and 45L tax credits, for energy-efficient construction and renovations.

Location-Based Incentives

If you operate or build in specific designated areas, you may qualify for state-specific economic development incentives.

Historic Preservation

We assist in identifying and documenting eligibility for federal and state historic preservation credits, turning necessary renovations into valuable tax assets.

Real Estate Agents and Taxes: Mastering the 1099 Transition

If you’re a real estate agent, the IRS classifies you as a business owner instead of an employee. Navigating the transition from a W-2 earner to a 1099 independent contractor can lead to surprise tax bills and financial stress. We can step in to make the transition smoother.

The moment you earn your first commission, you are effectively a small business. To succeed, you must separate your personal and business finances. Our team helps you establish this business-owner mindset by setting up the tracking systems needed to protect your earnings.

When you were an employee, your employer withheld taxes for you. Now, you are responsible for the entire bill, including the 15.3% self-employment tax rate, which covers Social Security and Medicare. If you have not set aside a portion of every commission check for quarterly estimated payments, you may face a substantial tax balance at the end of the year. We can help you stay on top of payment estimates so you’re not caught off guard.

Essential Real Estate Agent Tax Deductions to Track

The good news is that being a business owner allows you to deduct legitimate business expenses to lower your taxable income, including:

Mileage: Are you tracking every mile driven for showings and open houses? You must choose between the standard mileage rate and actual vehicle expenses.
Marketing: Costs for yard signs, digital ads, photography and website hosting are fully deductible.
Professional Dues: You can deduct your multiple listing service (MLS) fees, National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) memberships and state licensing fees.
Home Office: If you use a portion of your home exclusively for business, you may qualify for a deduction.

Our Services for the Real Estate Industry

Whether you manage large real estate developments or you’re closing your first residential sale, taxes can quickly become overwhelming. Real estate income is rarely simple — the market can fluctuate, deals may close at different times, and tax rules are complex and ever-changing.

At Polston Tax, we understand that real estate professionals face some of the highest audit risks and compliance hurdles of any industry. That’s something you shouldn’t have to navigate alone. We provide clear, reliable tax guidance to protect what you’ve worked hard to build. For larger firms, we act as a steady strategic partner, while independent agents can count on us as a dependable safety net, ensuring you miss nothing and get everything filed correctly and on time.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Advanced Tax Planning

Tax Return Preparation

Tax Appeals

Audit Representation

Installment Agreements

Penalty Abatements

Tax Court Representation

Testimonials

Hear From Our Happy Clients

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What I’ve learned working with various CPA’s over the years is that if they don’t truly understand your business model, then you are probably paying too much in taxes. This is precisely why I recommend Polston, because they will look under the hood of your company and implement effective tax reduction strategies tailored to your vertical. Tax laws are constantly changing, which is why I find it crucial to have solid accounting expertise in your corner.

Daniel K.

Tax Planning and Accounting for Real Estate Agents

Becoming a real estate agent can be a rewarding career choice. Your ability to generate sales creates a high-income ceiling and opportunities to earn substantial amounts from one transaction. These advantages coincide with the need to plan for tax season. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats licensed agents as self-employed tax filers who are responsible for submitting tax payments.

Why Polston Tax?

At Polston Tax, we help real estate agents pay the correct amount to the IRS and submit on-time payments. We can also provide tax resolution services if claims arise.
Our real estate agent accountants build strategies for meeting financial reporting requirements when sporadic sales produce sporadic income.
Delegating your bookkeeping needs to our agents will allow you to dedicate more time and energy to sales opportunities.
Our real estate industry tax attorneys offer comprehensive capabilities that strengthen your response and work toward manageable IRS and state commission solutions.

Polston Tax Resolution & Accounting Group Photo

Working With Polston Tax

At Polston Tax, your needs are at the heart of our processes. We utilize a collaborative approach to accounting, tax planning and tax resolution so your strategy aligns with your unique goals. When you work with us for tax planning, accounting or tax resolution services, our representatives will usher you through the following processes:

Initial consultations
Strategist meetings
Financial evaluations
Strategy proposals
Plan implementation

We’ve Got You Covered!

Need a Tax Professional That Knows Your Industry?

Polston Tax professionals have knowledge and experience in the unique challenges faced by highly regulated businesses in the Agriculture, Construction, Oil & Gas, Transportation industries and more!

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Transportation

Polston Tax provides transportation accounting services and tax resolution support. Our logistics tax planning and bookkeeping capabilities can increase revenue retention.

Agriculture

Polston Tax’s accountants and tax attorneys serve businesses in the agriculture industry. Our tax services extend to a range of needs, from filing your return to resolving disputes.

Oil and Gas

Complex bookkeeping and documentation requirements in the energy sector bar businesses and private stakeholders from their full earning potential. Polston Tax’s energy accounting services and tax resolution professionals can help.

Additional Readings

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Guide to Filing Taxes as an Independent Contractor

Have you accumulated a large tax liability and it feels like you have no way out? You may have received a notification stating that the IRS will place a levy on your bank account to collect on a tax balance.

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Real Estate Tax Planning Guide for 2026

If you’re an investor, analyzing your financial situation and understanding real estate tax laws can be crucial to maximizing tax efficiency. Staying knowledgeable allows you to create tax strategies that legally take advantage of tax deductions, exemptions and credits. Prepare for your 2026 taxes with this comprehensive tax planning guide. Key Federal Real Estate Tax […]

The QBI Deduction Is Here to Stay: Small Business Owners, Rejoice (and Plan Accordingly)

Congress has made the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction permanent. That means small business owners have no uncertainty, so you can plan confidently starting in the 2026 tax year and beyond. At the state level, QBI deductions vary. While some states conform with the federal QBI deduction, others opt to decouple — this means […]

Are Capital Expenditures Tax-Deductible?

It’s almost impossible for a business to survive and thrive without capital expenditures. However, these costs can also skyrocket, making a huge hole in a business’s pocket. Tax deductions can provide a way for businesses to recover some of the costs. However, assets considered capital expenditures are not always tax-deductible right away. This article breaks […]

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Understanding IRS Forms: 1099-C

A 1099-C form is used for reporting debt cancellation as income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the individual or entity receiving the canceled debt. It is crucial for tax reporting and compliance. Key aspects of this form include information that affects an individual’s annual tax return and when to file or send it out.

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All You Need to Know About Sales Tax as a Small Business Owner

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard about sales tax. Knowing how to collect, record and remit sales tax can be complicated, especially as your business grows. Keeping up with changing tax regulations can also be challenging. Paying sales tax for your small business is essential because failing to do so can result in fines and even jail time. This guide covers the basics of sales tax, how to stay compliant and what you can expect during an audit.

15 Tips for Business Owners Who Owe Payroll Taxes & Withholding Taxes

To keep a small business running smoothly, you need a tax professional. They not only make sure you remain compliant with all tax regulations, but they are also a valuable resource when business owners become entangled with problems.

Why Your Small Business Needs a Tax Attorney

Many people find starting a small business of their own as easy as a piece of cake. However, most of the time, what they fail to prioritize are some of the major players involved in smoothly operating their small business. A tax attorney is one core character that people often overlook.

What Does Owning a Second Home Mean For Your Taxes?

Are you buying a second home or a vacation home? If so, you need to know how buying a second home affects taxes. Depending on the purpose of your second home, you could have drastically different tax implications to deal with. Many people who own a lake or beach home and will sometimes rent the property out when they aren’t using it. Whether you rent the home out all the time or for just a few weekends in the summer, there are important tax rules to claiming that rental income and what deductions you can take. Here is what you need to know about owning and paying taxes on a second home.

Self-Employment and Your Taxes

Whether you own your own business, do freelance work, or drive for Uber, it’s important for you to understand what to do when it comes to filing your taxes. Being your own boss means you also need to have control and knowledge of your finances and be able to stay compliant with the IRS.

Vacation Homes and Taxes

Whether it’s a house, apartment, mobile home, or whatever, owning a vacation home is a wonderful thing. It’s the perfect getaway, and can double as a great source of income should you decide to rent it out. Of course, any money you make from a vacation home is taxable, and at Polston want to make sure your perfect getaway doesn’t turn into the perfect headache. So here are a few things to consider, tax-wise, if you rent out your vacation home.

Real Estate Tax Services