The accountant I am hiring is telling me that I need to do either a Schedule C or become an Scorp. I don't want to do either-just want to use Schedule E.
You would only report rental income on Schedule C if you are a real estate dealer or provide significant services to your renters.
See https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040se#en_US_2023_publink24332td0e1083
You would also report on Schedule C if you are in the business of renting personal property. Otherwise, you would report rental income and expenses on Schedule E.
Thank you! Now I need to convince the accountant I hired, although at this point I am thinking of continuing to do my own taxes. I was afraid it would be too difficult for me with Turbotax.
You might want to consult with a different local accountant (tax professional).
Holding rental real estate in an S corporation can be disadvantageous for a few reasons and there should be no issue with simply filing a Schedule E for the properties with your 1040.
Thank you for your reply. Out of curiosity why is holding real estate in an Scorp disadvantageous? Thanks.