What Cost Basis To Use When Converting Primary Home into Rental?

What Cost Basis To Use When Converting Primary Home into Rental?

Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2019 · 1 post · 0 votes

I have a question about two condos that I used to live in, but then turned them into rentals.

The numbers I am using are not exact.  I am using them to get an idea on how others determine cost basis.

Condo 1:

I purchased the condo for $90,000 and lived there for about 10 years. When I converted the condo to a rental it was worth $140,000. My accountant used the $90,000 for the cost basis and depreciation. I feel that he should have used the $140,000. If I sell it now, I will be taxed on the difference between my selling price (possibly $160,000) and the $90,000. I should really be taxed on the selling price ($160,000) and the $140,000 if my accountant would have converted it correctly using the Fair Market Value (FMV) at conversion. Is this correct?

Condo 2:

I purchased the condo for $360,000 and lived there for about 10 years. When I converted the condo to a rental it was worth $310,000. My accountant at that time did use the $310,000 (FMV) at the time of conversion for my cost basis and depreciation.

Am I correct, in thinking that Condo 1 was setup with the incorrect depreciation schedule, because my accountant used the purchase price as opposed to the FMV at the time of the conversion? If I am correct, does anyone know if I can still claim the FMV on my taxes when I sell the condo as opposed to using the cost basis that my accountant used for depreciation?

0Reply
16 views

No replies yet. Be the first to reply to this discussion.

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.