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posted Jun 5, 2019 10:47:57 PM

If I don't have receipts for second hand furniture I bought for a rental house, is it too risky to depreciate/expense it as the landlord? It was bought off craigslist.

Thank you!  I still have the furniture and it's 100% used for the rental property (which is only used for rental purposes).

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 10:47:58 PM

If you are confident in your ability to show proof of purchase and the amount is reasonable for the condition of the furniture you should take the deduction.  

You will have a choice to deduct this as a miscellaneous expense under a special safe harbor election or depreciation.

It's best if you gather some kind of proof of purchase. If you have the ad from Craigslist, a picture of the furniture and even a confirmation of delivery to the tenants might be helpful.

To review and go directly to the rental entry follow the steps.

  1. Sign into your account and select your current return.
  2. Select  My Account on the top right and then select Tools
  3. Select Topic Search (see attached image)
  4. Search for rental and select Go (rental screen images are attached)
  5. Follow the interview to enter or review your information.

1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 10:47:58 PM

If you are confident in your ability to show proof of purchase and the amount is reasonable for the condition of the furniture you should take the deduction.  

You will have a choice to deduct this as a miscellaneous expense under a special safe harbor election or depreciation.

It's best if you gather some kind of proof of purchase. If you have the ad from Craigslist, a picture of the furniture and even a confirmation of delivery to the tenants might be helpful.

To review and go directly to the rental entry follow the steps.

  1. Sign into your account and select your current return.
  2. Select  My Account on the top right and then select Tools
  3. Select Topic Search (see attached image)
  4. Search for rental and select Go (rental screen images are attached)
  5. Follow the interview to enter or review your information.