1031 exchange basis and depreciation issue

[jerrypeters1]

I am filing taxes with a 1031 exchange. I have completed the data entry and a 8824 was created. The basis on the received property was reduced by the gain from the relinquished property as it should be. However the depreciation taken for the received property is calculated using the original basis of the received property - not the reduced amount. How can I adjust the basis and depreciation for this year and ensure the lower basis carries forward to future years?

[DianeW777]

It depends. The original property asset should not change at all and you seem to understand the rules for depreciation with the property received.  Below are steps to help you accomplish the appropriate actions to keep the depreciation in tact.

When you have your TurboTax return open you can use the following steps to update the original assets for the exchange.

1. First use the Search (upper right) > Type rentals > Press enter > Click on the Jump to... link
2. Or Wages & Income > Rental Properties and Royalties > Update > Continue to Rental and Royalty Summary > Edit the property
3. Scroll to Assets/Depreciation  > Click Update > Select 'Edit' next to each asset
4. Edit beside each asset > Continue to the Tell Us About This Rental Asset
5. Select the checkbox beside 'This item was sold, retired, .... traded in ....etc. > enter the date it was traded (sold/retired)
   1. You can choose not to select this and just change the name of the assets given up in the trade to identify them with the new property. The depreciation for the year will not change on these assets. If you choose this- stop here.
6. Answer the question about whether it was 100% business > Leave the original date it was placed in service (may be purchase date or later depending on your circumstances)
7. Continue to the screen 'Confirm Your Prior Depreciation'  
   • The amount displayed is only for prior years and does not include the current year. 
   • Continue until you see the current year amount displayed and make a note to add the two amounts together for the Section 1031 like kind exchange.
   • This completes the asset portion of the trade.
8. Answer 'Yes' to Special Handling.

If you marked the original assets as sold, traded, etc (see 6. above) then go back to your rental activity and then enter new assets with the exact same information as the property given up with a new name, but with the same date placed in service as the old property, for all assets that are part of the exchange.

Enter a new asset for any buy up/added cash in the exchange including the purchase/selling expenses you paid in the trade. The new asset will begin depreciation on the completion date of the trade/like kind exchange.