Investor · Clinton, MD · Member since 2014 · 5 posts · 0 votes
Good morning/afternoon everybody! Long time lurker, first time discussion starter! I've got a 4br/3fba SF that I purchased using VA Insured loan over a year ago. So 100% owner occupied w/out renters for the 1st year. Starting in November 2014 I had other military friends that were looking to get off-base housing. I thought, "Hey! this could be a good idea" I rented out 3 of my 4 bedrooms and am living in the 4th one myself. I have year long leases/agreements with each of the tenants who occupy the property. I've read on several occasions that you can write off 4% of the total value of the property each year as depreciation in addition to writing off renovations and maintenance. I'm having difficulty determining if I'm entitled to either none, all or at least 3/4 (since i live in 1/4) of the write offs when I file taxes next year.
Any ideas? I'm willing to provide more information if necessary.
I purchase it every year to ensure I am on top of the latest laws and rules. I know many hire CPA or experts, I do not have a complex situation and numbers come easy to me. This book is a great base knowledge start for a low cost. Easy to read and understand also.
Only a CPA/Tax Preparer can tell you definitively. Don't hesitate to meet one. They don't charge like lawyers would. In fact, in the process of compiling your tax returns, they ask you such questions, or you can ask such questions, because they have to fill the appropriate forms based on what you provide.
But it doesn't hurt to have some knowledge, so here goes:
Since you rental income is classified as Passive Income, any renovations and maintenance can be deducted only from your rental income (or other passive income), but not from your W2/military income. This is still a good deal because the overall taxable rental profit will be reduced and you may not owe any taxes due to depreciation and other expenses.
In summary, I would think that you are entitled to writing off 3/4 of your property's expenses from your property's rental income (not your other active income).
Investor · Clinton, MD · Member since 2014 · 5 posts · 0 votes
11y
Great advice from both of you. Thanks for the timely responses I sincerely appreciate it. I'll definitely grab that book as well as contact a CPA regarding the situation.