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rental property - multi-unit

I have a property that is classified as duplex. I selected the multi-unit option, and it is clear how to report the rental income, but I am not clear about how to enter the expenses such as property taxes and mortgage interest. Should I enter only the portion related to the rental half of the duplex, or should I enter the total amounts and let TurboTax divide them accordingly? If I do need to enter just the rental portion of the expenses, where do I report the property tax and mortgage interest for the half that I live in?

Also, in the case of a fourplex, how does TurboTax know how to apply expenses if I am renting out 75% of the property to others? How do I specify that under the multi-unit property option? 

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1 Best answer

Accepted Solutions
PatriciaV
Expert Alumni

rental property - multi-unit

Your best option is to enter the three rental units as separate Rental Properties. This allows you to enter different in-service dates (and rental days) for each unit and track income & expenses for each unit separately. 

 

Also, if the rental status of one unit changes in the future (rented to family, converted to personal use, not rented, sold, etc.), you can report the change without affecting the other units.

 

Most taxpayers allocate property basis for split rental properties based on square footage or property value (if known). 

 

If you do set up three assets, you would need to divide shared expenses between the units yourself (TurboTax doesn't handle this allocation). This includes mortgage interest and property taxes. If the units in your rental property are identical, you may report one-third of the shared costs as Rental Expenses on each Schedule E

 

But if you have expenses specific to one unit (cleaning between tenants, repairs, upgrades), you would enter these separately under the appropriate unit.

 

Since you occupy one unit, you don't need to include that unit as a rental property until/unless you move out and convert it to a rental. Instead, report the mortgage interest and property taxes allocated to your personal residence under Deductions & Credits >> Your Home.

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2 Replies
PatriciaV
Expert Alumni

rental property - multi-unit

Your best option is to enter the three rental units as separate Rental Properties. This allows you to enter different in-service dates (and rental days) for each unit and track income & expenses for each unit separately. 

 

Also, if the rental status of one unit changes in the future (rented to family, converted to personal use, not rented, sold, etc.), you can report the change without affecting the other units.

 

Most taxpayers allocate property basis for split rental properties based on square footage or property value (if known). 

 

If you do set up three assets, you would need to divide shared expenses between the units yourself (TurboTax doesn't handle this allocation). This includes mortgage interest and property taxes. If the units in your rental property are identical, you may report one-third of the shared costs as Rental Expenses on each Schedule E

 

But if you have expenses specific to one unit (cleaning between tenants, repairs, upgrades), you would enter these separately under the appropriate unit.

 

Since you occupy one unit, you don't need to include that unit as a rental property until/unless you move out and convert it to a rental. Instead, report the mortgage interest and property taxes allocated to your personal residence under Deductions & Credits >> Your Home.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

rental property - multi-unit

Patricia,

 

Thank you for the quick reply. I will do as you said on the next year's return. 

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