Essential Tax Insights When Converting Your Home to a Rental

The transformation of a primary residence into a rental property is not just a simple change of use—it marks a pivotal shift in its tax treatment under IRS regulations. Understanding this transition from a tax perspective is crucial for homeowners-turned-landlords.

The most significant change involves the property's depreciable basis. This is determined by taking the lesser of the property’s fair market value (FMV) or its adjusted basis at the time of conversion. This adjustment can significantly impact your annual deductions and overall financial strategy as a property investor.

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Another critical factor to consider is the potential forfeiture of the IRS home sale exclusion. If you decide to sell your rental property and have not lived in it for at least two of the previous five years, you may lose the ability to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing jointly) of any capital gain from taxation. This requirement necessitates careful planning and consultation with a tax professional to minimize future tax liabilities.

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For Midlothian residents considering such a conversion, our expertise in IRS tax issues and business consulting is invaluable. Thomas Hawbaker CPA PLLC brings extensive experience to the table, ensuring that your transition from homeowner to landlord is smooth and tax-efficient.

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