I have deductions for rental house (2018) I sold the house 2019 Can I hold those repair deductions and file them with next year's taxes to offset the sale earnings?

[Coleen3 · Accepted solution]

No. Repairs are deducted in the year they are made. If you had major improvements, those are added to the basis and help at the time of sale.

Here are some more capital improvements:

• Remodels and room additions (including decks and porches)
• New or upgraded landscaping, irrigation, sprinkler system
• Hardscape such as pavement, block or retaining wall, patio
• Fencing
• Swimming pool, spa
• Storm windows, doors 
• New roof 
• Central vacuum or security system 
• Upgraded wiring, plumbing, duct work
• Central heating, AC, humidifier 
• New furnace, water heater 
• Filtration, soft-water, or septic system
• Built-in appliances 
• New flooring or wall-to-wall carpeting 
• Upgraded insulation
• Satellite dish

The cost of repairs, on the other hand, is not added to your basis. Fixing a gutter, painting a room or replacing a window pane are examples of repairs rather than improvements.