Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 5 years ago,

User Stats

2
Posts
0
Votes
Callie Miller
0
Votes |
2
Posts

Cost basis calculation for depreciation

Callie Miller
Posted

I have a condo unit that was converted from primary residence to rental property in January 2018. I calculated the cost basis for depreciation when I filled my 2018 tax return and thought everything was good. But now that I'm working on my 2019 tax return and revisiting the cost basis I did for 2018, I feel like it was done incorrectly. Please help me by taking a look at what I think the cost basis should be.

Unit was bought in July 2016, but was not converted to rental until 2018. So from what I read, I should be using either the fair market value at time of conversion or the cost of purchase plus addition/improvements, whichever is lower. I went to Redfin, Zillow and Realtor.com, and averaged the FMV out to be $322,000 for Jan 2018. I purchased the unit in 2016 for $309,000, and immediately updated the floor (changed from carpet to hardwood) and smoothed out the ceiling (had popcorn ceiling) which together costed $6000, so total $315,000. Since this is lower than FMV, I will use $315,000 as the cost of the property.

According to county tax assessment, the land value is $25,500. I then subtract this from the cost, so $315,000 - $25,500 = $289,500, which is my cost basis of the property. I converted the condo to rental property in January of 2018. So for 2018, the depreciation (using linear, 27.5 year use) is $289,500 * 3.485% = $10,089. Then every year after this, the depreciation would be $289,500 * 3.636% = $10,526 assuming it is a rental property for the entire year.

Does my calculation seems correct? Thanks in advance for all your help!

Loading replies...