what is a direct participation program dpp 
a direct participation program dpp is a pooled entity that offers investors access to a business venture s cash flow and tax benefits also known as a direct participation plan dpps are non traded pooled investments in real estate or energy related ventures over an extended time frame understanding a direct participation program dpp in most direct participation programs limited partners put up money their stake is quantified in units which is then invested by a general partner most dpps are managed passively and have a lifespan of five to 10 years during that time all tax deductions as well as the dpp s income are passed to partners because of the income they generate and their pooled nature dpps have become a popular way for average investors to access investments that have normally been reserved for wealthy investors though with some restrictions a direct participation program is usually organized as a limited partnership a subchapter s corporation or a general partnership such structures allow the dpp s income losses gains tax credits and deductions to transfer though to the underlying partner taxpayer on a pre tax basis accordingly the dpp itself pays no corporate tax dpps are not traded which means that they lack liquidity and a reliable pricing mechanism especially compared to equities that trade on a stock market as such dpps tend to require that clients meet asset and income thresholds to invest these requirements can vary by state types of direct participation programsthe most common dpps are non traded reits about two thirds of the dpp market non listed business development companies bdc which act as debt instruments for small businesses energy exploration and development partnerships and equipment leasing corporations a dpp may have the legal structure of a corporation such as a reit a limited partnership or a limited liability corporation llc but in practice all behave as a limited partnership a dpp gives an investor partial ownership of a physical asset such as the underlying property in a reit the machinery in an equipment leasing venture or wells and income from oil sales in an energy partnership special consideration direct participation program structurein dpps limited partners are the investors should the dpp lose money their downside is limited to what they invested the general partner manages the investment limited partners have no say in the management and receive no benefit from the dpp s operations limited partners can however vote to change or fire a general partner or sue one for not acting in the best interest of the partnership direct participation programs have their origin in the securities act of 1933 and the financial industry regulatory authority finra rule 2310 1 2 series 7 candidates can expect to see several questions on dpps on their exam 