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Answers · Partnerships · Form 1065

What Is Partnership Basis?

Outside basis generally starts with contributions and changes for income, losses, distributions and liability shares.

Reviewed August 2026 · Mint Associates Ltd Co · Houston, Texas

How it works

The rule, and what it turns on.

Basis limits losses and affects distribution/sale tax consequences.

Example

$20,000 contribution + $40,000 debt share + $30,000 income - $10,000 distribution = $80,000 basis before other adjustments.

Common mistakes

What we see go wrong, and what we do instead.

  • Negative basis.
  • Ignoring debt changes.

A better approach

  • Reconcile outside basis to K-1 and liability schedules annually.

Authority

Where this comes from, so you can check it.

IRC §§705, 722, 733 and 752; Treas. Reg. §§1.705-1 and 1.752-1 through -5; IRS Publication 541.

Educational information, not individualized tax advice. Treatment depends on your facts, entity classification and tax year, and IRS instructions change. Confirm your own position with us before relying on it. Mint Associates does not provide legal services.

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