Can/Should I File and Amended Return for Rental Property on Which Income is Received in Later Years

[Harvey049]

In 2018 I bought a manufactured home & rented it to family members.  They paid the rent in 2018 & 2019, & I disclosed it as rental real estate income on my 2018 & 2019 returns.  But in 2020, they didn't pay the rent but promised to pay the 2020 rent in 2021 (of course, I don't want to evict them).  So in my 2020 return (to be filed), I didn't report the manufactured home as rental real estate because I received no income from it.  QUESTION:  If they keep their promise & pay me the 2020 rent in 2021, may/must I file an amended 2020 return to: (a) report the 2020 rental income received in 2021; and (b) report my 2020 expenses  for the property as deductions from the later-received income?

[MinhT1]

If you have rental expenses in 2020, you should claim them on your 2020 tax return even if you did not receive any rent from your tenant. This will result in a rental loss. Please read the paragraph on Limits on Rental Losses on page 12 of this IRS publication.

If and when you receive the back rent in 2021, you will report it as rental income in 2021. You do not have to report it in 2020, nor do you have to amend your 2020 tax return.