topic How do I find the math behind the depreciation of a house that I rent? in Investors & landlords

How do I find the math behind the depreciation of a house that I rent?

lak_Mass — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:23:11 GMT

I am trying to find the basis of the depreciation amount calculated on form... i have been using turbotax since I bought and started renting a house... where is the math? is there a worksheet I can find to understand how the depreciation is forwarded?

Re: How do I find the math behind the depreciation of a house that I rent?

Critter-3 — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 23:32:54 GMT

Sure ... save a PDF of the return that includes all the worksheets to see the depreciation worksheets.

Re: How do I find the math behind the depreciation of a house that I rent?

lak_Mass — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 09:48:35 GMT

Thanks @Critter-3

BUT oddly, this does not work. I have two properties and I see a full depreciation/amortization spreadsheet for one.. but for the other, just a number is pulled forward. I have looked everwhere for the word "Deprecia*" (all forms) as well as the street number... all I see is a carry forward depreciation for the property, but not worksheet/explanation.

Re: How do I find the math behind the depreciation of a house that I rent?

Carl — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:26:11 GMT

First, you need to save the file in PDF format, and elect to save everything. Not just "forms for your records" or "forms required for filing/mailing". You need to save absolutely everything.

In the saved PDF file there will be two form 4562's *for* *each* *property*, that prints in landscape format. One is titled "Depreciation and Amortization Report" and the other is "Alternative Minimum Tax Depreciation". The first one is the one most commonly used, as the second one only matters when AMT comes into play; which isn't all that common for most folks.

As for "the math used", it's covered in detail in IRS Publication 946 at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p946.pdf

The worksheet starts at the bottom of page 37. For domestic residential rental real estate use table A-6 on page 72.