First, you didn't identify what version of TTX you are using, as it really matters for your situation. So are you using the online version of TTX? Or the desktop version that you installed on your computer? I also need to know what version you used for your 2019 as well as 2018 tax return. This way, I don't waste time providing guidance and details for the version that does not apply to you. Doing so will most likely confuse you beyond all hope. (Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt)
So final answer May 2020. ...... I should also explain that on my 2019 taxes I did not claim the property as rental because it had been vacant so long due to restoring and the bad tenant scare.
Thanks for that clarification. That helps tremendously. It also raises more extremely important questions.
What is the last tax year that you reported this property on SCH E of your tax return?
hired a property manager who was advertising it for rent.
Assuming that occurred in 2019, you may want to consider amending your 2019 tax return to include this, along with other rental property expenses (outside of improvements) that you paid for in 2019. (Just because you didn't have an active renter in 2019, does not mean you can't claim any rental expenses incurred.)
Understand that no matter what we/you do here, this is not going to be "simple" per-se. But amending your 2019 return to include the SCH E will be significantly "simpler" among the two options available to you at this point. I can explain the options if you like. But it will be a rather long post if I do that, and I'm trying to avoid two things.
1. providing more information than you may care to know.
2. Confusing you beyond the point of understanding and recovery from said confusion.
