Putting costs of overall business operation on separate sched E

Putting costs of overall business operation on separate sched E

Pennsburg, PA · Member since 2014 · 37 posts · 1 vote

So I currently have 8 properties, 14 units all rentals. I have read in the past that its possible to put costs for overall business operation and expenses shared by several properties on a separate schedule E as opposed to dividing up the cost and placing percentages of each expense onto each property. For example office supplies, stamps, computer for business use, QuickBooks subscription, mileage tracking app. subscription, umbrella insurance policy, lawn mower used on multiple properties (business use only), fuel for the said lawn mower, etc. These expenses I see as more of an overall business expense and can not be accurately attributed to any one property. So BP what are your thoughts on such a method? Anyone doing this? Any clear reasons not to? Thanks a bunch!

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  • Michael PlaksPro Member
    Tax Accountant / Enrolled Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2014 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    8y

    @Rick Jones

    Don't! It used to be acceptable but no longer the case. IRS computers tag this as an audit flag, and IRS auditors frown upon it for several good reasons. And it does not benefit you in any way.

    Distributing between existing properties is the correct way to go.

  • Investor · brentwood, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 730 votes
    8y

    Just about any rational allocation will do, this isn't rocket science, just make sure the expenses are legit and use common sense.

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