Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Level 1
posted Jun 3, 2019 12:45:58 PM

If I own a duplex and rent half out, where do I enter my interest and insurance expenses?

Under the "Rental Income" section, I have entered all of my (duplex) house expenses, including maintenance, insurance, and mortgage interest. I use a percentage of the house to live in: I entered this percentage information also. Now, in the "Deductions" section, it is asking me for my mortgage interest and insurance information again. It does not appear to understand that this is the same house I already fully described in the "Rental Income" section. Am I supposed to enter the information again?

0 1 1596
1 Replies
Employee Tax Expert
Jun 3, 2019 12:45:59 PM

You have to allocate the personal portion under the Deductions & Credits. You are correct-the program doesn't not know that your rental property is part of the same home.

Think of your duplex as a separate unit, not part of your home. Enter the all the expenses that are relevant for just the rental unit. Then allocate 1/2 of interest, insurance, property taxes, (and any other shared expenses) to the rental side.

On the personal side, deduct 1/2 of interest and property taxes. Not all shared expenses (like the insurance for example) will be deductible on the personal side.