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New Member
posted May 26, 2020 5:35:57 AM

Turbo tax is not calculating the depreciation on foreign rental property for 40 years, it is calculating based on 30 years. Can you help me how to change to 40 years?

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3 Replies
Level 15
May 26, 2020 7:30:44 AM

If the property was placed in service after Dec 31, 2017, then 30 years depreciation on foreign residential rental property is correct.

 

Level 1
Jan 26, 2021 5:23:36 PM

Turbotax is calculating 27.5 years depreciation for my foreign rental property (pre-2018) instead of 40 years. Foreign address has been entered. How can I fix this please?

Expert Alumni
Jan 27, 2021 8:32:30 AM

This can be fixed by using the following steps making sure to mark the appropriate selections as you go through the entry of the building and/or improvement on this foreign rental property. Date placed in service and the right selections will provide the correct 40 year depreciation.

  1. Sign into your TurboTax account > Search for Schedule E (upper right) > press enter > select the Jump to link
  2. Select the Edit beside the foreign property > Scroll to the Asset(s) and select Edit > Select Yes to go to the asset summary
  3. Select Edit beside the rental unit asset > Continue to Tell us about your rental asset and check the date purchased
  4. Next Continue, then check the date placed in service, correct if necessary
  5. Continue to check the prior and current depreciation amounts - TurboTax will be correct using the 40 years if the date placed in service is before 2017.
  6. See the images below for assistance.

The first time through this asset questions are asked about the location (see images below), after the first time of entry, one of the screens has a statement that you told us this was used outside the US. (see image below) 

  • If you don't see the correct depreciation, follow steps 1-2 above, the select Edit beside the Rental property info to answer the questions about location by selecting Edit under Reservation, disaster, or outside US area.