Investors & landlords

Depreciation MUST be taken and recaptured as ordinary income when you sell which reduces the capital gains on the return.

 

Simple example :  

Purchase price + cost to purchase = cost basis

cost basis - depreciation taken  =  adjusted cost basis

sale price - adjusted cost basis + cost of sale =  profit or loss

Profit - depreciation recaptured as ordinary income (form 4797)  = capital gain or loss (Sch D)