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Level 3
posted Mar 17, 2025 2:59:46 PM

Solar for rental: depreciate and take take credit?

I bought solar for my rental. Am I able to depreciate it as a land improvement AND take the solar credits?

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4 Replies
Employee Tax Expert
Mar 17, 2025 3:01:40 PM

No, if you list it as an asset and depreciate it, the basis (your value/cost) must be reduced by the amount of the total credit. 

Level 15
Mar 17, 2025 5:52:52 PM

Yes, you can take the solar credit on Form 3468.

 

Yes, you depreciate the solar.  However, it is generally depreciated over 5 years.  When entering the Basis/cost for depreciation, you reduce it by HALF of the solar credit.

Level 3
Mar 17, 2025 6:10:35 PM

HALF? not decrease it by the entire credit as someone else had previously answered? 

 

2. does that apply to energy efficient water heaters and hvac?

Level 15
Mar 18, 2025 11:17:25 AM


@pbmunkey wrote:

HALF? not decrease it by the entire credit as someone else had previously answered? 

 

2. does that apply to energy efficient water heaters and hvac?


 

Yes, for the business/rental credit, Basis is reduced by half of the credit.

 

Offhand, I can't think of any tax credits for a business/rental property for water heaters and HVAC.