Passive Activity
An activity from which you have the potential to profit but in which you do not physically participate.
Investopedia Commentary
The income from rental properties is a good example of a passive activity. Making a distinction between passive and active income is important because you can claim a passive loss only against income generated from passive activities. You cannot claim a passive loss against active income.
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See also: Active Income, Income, Passive Income, Portfolio Income
passive activity
An activity involving a trade or business in which the taxpayer does not materially participate.
Any engagement in real estate rental activity.