Rental property depreciation is a vital element of real estate investing that can potentially offer significant tax savings. Understanding this concept could be instrumental in effective wealth accumulation using real estate. This article will demystify depreciation, explore the cash and non-cash expenses associated with rental property, and delve into the significant tax implications it could have on property owners.
Understanding Cash & Non-Cash Expenses
When dealing with rental property, it’s essential to understand the difference between cash and non-cash expenses. Cash expenses are direct out-of-pocket payments, such as mortgage payments, maintenance costs, or advertising fees, which are deductible against the rental income. On the other hand, depreciation is a non-cash expense. It allows you to offset your rental income without incurring any direct monetary expenditure, making it a powerful tool for real estate investors.
What is Depreciation?
In real estate, depreciation is a reduction in the value of the property over time due to wear and tear. The IRS assumes a linear depreciation of the building (not including land) over 27.5 years for residential properties. The value of the land is excluded as it does not depreciate. By depreciating the basis of the property (the purchase price minus the value of land), the taxable income generated by the property can be significantly reduced.
Rental Property Depreciation: A Practical Example
Let’s consider a concrete example to better illustrate how depreciation works.
Let’s assume you bought a rental property with a total basis of $500,000. The IRS does not allow you to depreciate the value of the land, which in this case, makes up 25% of the total basis. This leaves us with a depreciable basis of $375,000.
Under IRS guidelines, residential rental property is depreciated on a linear basis over a period of 27.5 years. When you divide your depreciable basis of $375,000 by 27.5 years, you get an annual depreciation of approximately $13,636.
This annual depreciation can be deducted from your rental income, reducing the amount of income subject to tax.
The Implications of Depreciation Recapture
While depreciation can provide immediate tax benefits, the IRS will require depreciation recapture when you sell the property. This means you’ll need to pay taxes on the portion of the transaction related to the depreciation deductions taken during the ownership period. These taxes are separate from capital gains tax and are taxed as ordinary income up to a cap of 25%.
Three Key Planning Tips:
- Consider a 1031 Exchange: A 1031 exchange can be a strategic tool to defer capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes. It allows you to sell a property and reinvest the proceeds in a new, similar property while deferring the taxes.
- Explore Loopholes for Short-Term Rentals and Real Estate Professionals: Some loopholes can allow you to deduct real estate losses from your W-2 income if you have a short-term rental or qualify as a real estate professional.
- Think Twice Before Setting up an LLC: While setting up an LLC can provide asset protection, it may not always be the best move. If you plan to sell a rental property that was your primary residence, you could lose the ability to claim the primary residence capital gain exclusion if it is held in an LLC. This is important to consider, especially for individuals new to owning a rental property, which often times is their former primary residence.
Rental property depreciation can be a double-edged sword – a powerful tool for reducing taxable income but also a potential tax liability when selling the property. However, with careful planning and understanding of the regulations, property owners can maximize their tax benefits and potentially mitigate future tax liabilities. For more personalized advice on real estate taxation and planning, reach out to us below. We would love to help you out!
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Important Disclosures
MDRN Wealth LLC does not provide specific legal or tax advice. Please consult with professionals in these areas for specific legal and tax recommendations. The information provided herein is general information. It is not intended to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Information in this article is not an offer or solicitation to purchase, sell, or endorse a specific company, security, investment vehicle or strategy. Investing involves risk and the possible chance for loss of principal. Please consider your tolerance for risk before investing. Past performance is never guaranteed and future results can vary. Opinions conveyed by MDRN Wealth LLC cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance and are subject to change. Results may vary. Use information at your own risk.
