Essential Tax Tips for Turning Your Home into a Rental

When you decide to convert your primary residence into a rental property, you're creating a shift in how the property is treated for tax purposes. This transition carries important considerations, especially around how depreciation is calculated and potential impacts on capital gains exclusions.

First and most critically, the depreciable basis of your home will be calculated as the lesser of the property's fair market value (FMV) or its adjusted basis at the time of conversion. This determination is vital for accurately calculating your depreciation deductions and impacts your taxable income from the rental property.

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Moreover, transforming your personal home into a rental changes how you will eventually report capital gains on its sale. The exclusion you might qualify for under IRS Code Section 121, which allows homeowners to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married filing jointly) of home sale gains, may no longer apply in full if the property is used as a rental.

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These nuances underscore the importance of thorough tax planning and consultation with a tax professional. Conversion of your home to a rental brings with it several layers of tax complexity, requiring meticulous record-keeping and forward-thinking strategies. Make sure to discuss all implications with your accountant to maximize your financial outcomes.

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