Real Estate & Investing

Recourse Debt

Recourse debt is debt for which the borrower remains personally liable beyond the collateral in the event of default.

Quick answer

Recourse debt is debt for which the borrower remains personally liable beyond the collateral in the event of default.

It matters because liability exposure and some tax results differ from nonrecourse financing.

A borrower personally guaranteeing an investment property loan is usually taking on recourse debt.

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Plain-English Definition

What Recourse Debt means

Recourse debt is debt for which the borrower remains personally liable beyond the collateral in the event of default.

Why it matters It matters because liability exposure and some tax results differ from nonrecourse financing.
Simple example A borrower personally guaranteeing an investment property loan is usually taking on recourse debt.
Related Questions

Questions people ask about Recourse Debt

What does Recourse Debt mean?

Recourse debt is debt for which the borrower remains personally liable beyond the collateral in the event of default.

Why does Recourse Debt matter?

It matters because liability exposure and some tax results differ from nonrecourse financing.

What is a simple example of Recourse Debt?

A borrower personally guaranteeing an investment property loan is usually taking on recourse debt.

When should I ask a CPA about Recourse Debt?

Ask a CPA when the term affects property tax planning, rental activity, depreciation, basis, or gain on a sale.

How is Recourse Debt different from Nonrecourse Debt?

Recourse Debt means Recourse debt is debt for which the borrower remains personally liable beyond the collateral in the event of default. Nonrecourse Debt means Nonrecourse debt is debt secured primarily by collateral where the borrower generally is not personally liable beyond the pledged property, subject to the governing documents and law. The difference is that they apply to different tax, accounting, or business situations and should not be treated as interchangeable.

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