MaryK4
Expert Alumni

Get your taxes done using TurboTax

1- The closing costs should be added to the basis and deducted over time as depreciation.  Your basis includes the settlement fees and closing costs for buying property. You can't include in your basis the fees and costs for getting a loan on property. A fee for buying property is a cost that must be paid even if you bought the property for cash.  

 

If I had to say what to verbalize what to include as expenses for 2021, I would say anything you paid for after you had the home rented and the tenants moved in (Now that is VERY general so ask if you have specific questions on items.)

 

2. You may be able to find the land value on tax records- use the percentage of land to improvements applied to your cost.  In general, industry standard uses 20% to land value.  As long as you are reasonable and consistent, there will be no issue.  

 

3.The IRS has really cracked down on donations, so keep with your tax records the date, amount and charity for any and all included deductions.  Technically, the charity provides:

  • Written acknowledgment: Required under Internal Revenue Code section 170(f) for a donor to substantiate a charitable contribution of $250 or more.

  • Written disclosure statement: Required under Code section 6115 when a donor makes a quid pro qo contribution (a payment exceeding $75 partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided by the organization). The same document may serve as both the written acknowledgment and the written disclosure statement.

  • Vehicle donations: Additional reporting requirements may apply when a charity receives a donation of a vehicle. 

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