Turbotax online set my animal barn years of use to 20 when I want it set to 39 as it has been on that schedule for over 10 years. how do I override?

[DaveF1006]

The best way to deal with this is to delete your existing asset and start over. Since you can't force a number change on the current asset entry, you usually have to workaround the software by re-entering the asset using a different category that allows for a 39-year life. Here is how to do it:

1. Delete the current Barn asset: If you just imported it and it’s showing 20 years, it will likely stay stuck that way. 
2. Add a New Asset:  Select "Rental Real Estate" or "Nonresidential Real Estate" instead of "Farm Building" or "Barn."
3. If that doesn't work, choose "Intangibles, Other Property" or "Other Asset Type" at the very bottom of the list.
4. Manual Entry: Choosing "Other" often triggers a manual interview where you can specify:

• Cost / Date Placed in Service: (Use your original date from 10+ years ago).
• Recovery Period: Enter 39.
• Depreciation Method: Select Straight Line (S/L).
• Prior Depreciation: You will need your tax return from last year to enter the "Accumulated Depreciation" (the total amount you’ve claimed on the barn since you bought it).

Just an FYI, a general-purpose farm building (like a barn) is officially classified by the IRS as 20-year property and that is why TurboTax reported it as a 20-year property.

[gvolkert]

Thank you for the very detailed and useful information.