Does bonus depreciation apply to rental property?

June 2024 · 5 minute read

**Yes, bonus depreciation does apply to rental property. Bonus depreciation allows owners of rental properties to accelerate the depreciation of certain items within the property, resulting in a larger tax deduction.**

When it comes to owning and managing rental properties, it’s important for landlords to take advantage of any tax benefits available to them. One such benefit is bonus depreciation, a tax incentive that allows property owners to deduct a significant portion of the cost of eligible assets in the year they are placed in service.

Bonus depreciation was introduced as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and it allows landlords to claim an immediate deduction of up to 100% of the cost of qualifying assets in the year they are placed in service. This can result in substantial tax savings for property owners, as it allows them to recoup their investment in the property more quickly.

In order to qualify for bonus depreciation, the property must meet certain criteria. For example, the property must have a recovery period of 20 years or less, and it must be placed in service after September 27, 2017. Additionally, the property must be used in a trade or business, including the rental of real property.

One important thing to note is that bonus depreciation is only available for new assets, meaning that used assets are not eligible for this tax benefit. However, landlords can still take advantage of regular depreciation for used assets, which allows them to deduct a portion of the asset’s cost over its useful life.

Overall, bonus depreciation can be a valuable tax-saving strategy for landlords with rental properties. By accelerating the depreciation of eligible assets, property owners can reduce their taxable income and increase their cash flow. As always, it’s important to consult with a tax professional to ensure that you are taking full advantage of all available tax incentives.

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FAQs about bonus depreciation and rental property:

1. What types of assets qualify for bonus depreciation on rental property?

**Eligible assets for bonus depreciation on rental property include items such as appliances, furniture, carpeting, and landscaping.**

2. Can bonus depreciation be taken on the entire cost of a rental property?

**No, bonus depreciation can only be taken on eligible assets within the property, not on the entire cost of the property itself.**

3. Are there any limits on the amount of bonus depreciation that can be claimed in a year?

**No, there is no limit on the amount of bonus depreciation that can be claimed in a year, as long as the property meets the criteria for eligibility.**

4. Can bonus depreciation be taken on residential rental properties?

**Yes, bonus depreciation can be taken on both residential and commercial rental properties, as long as they meet the criteria for eligibility.**

5. Does bonus depreciation apply to rental properties held in a pass-through entity, such as an LLC?

**Yes, bonus depreciation can be claimed on rental properties held in pass-through entities, as long as the entity itself meets the criteria for eligibility.**

6. Can bonus depreciation be taken on land improvements, such as parking lots or driveways?

**Yes, bonus depreciation can be taken on land improvements as long as they have a recovery period of 20 years or less.**

7. Is bonus depreciation available for rental properties placed in service before September 27, 2017?

**No, bonus depreciation is only available for properties placed in service after September 27, 2017.**

8. Can bonus depreciation be claimed on assets that were previously used in another rental property?

**No, bonus depreciation is only available for new assets that are placed in service in the current tax year.**

9. Are there any additional requirements for claiming bonus depreciation on rental properties?

**In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, landlords must also maintain accurate records of all assets and their costs in order to claim bonus depreciation.**

10. How does bonus depreciation impact the sale of a rental property?

**Bonus depreciation can have tax implications when selling a rental property, as it may reduce the amount of depreciation that can be claimed during the ownership period.**

11. Can bonus depreciation be claimed on assets that were financed through a loan?

**Yes, bonus depreciation can be claimed on assets that were financed through a loan, as long as the property owner is the one claiming the deduction.**

12. Are there any drawbacks to claiming bonus depreciation on rental properties?

**One drawback of claiming bonus depreciation is that it reduces the property’s basis, which can result in higher taxes when the property is sold in the future. It’s important to weigh the potential tax savings against the long-term implications before making a decision.**

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