Owning Fort Worth rental property provides investors with an excellent way to earn short-term cash flow and long-term returns. It also comes with some tax benefits. While you will be required to report your rental income on your tax returns, you can also use several deductions that are unique to rental property owners.
Let’s take a look at how you can save some money on taxes with your real estate investments.
Deducting Maintenance Expenses
Most of the costs associated with maintaining your rental property can be deducted on your taxes. This includes repair costs and any materials that you need to keep your property in operable condition, such as paint, drywall, smoke detectors, etc. When you need to install keyless bolts and peepholes in order to comply with the Texas Property Code, those things are deductible and considered maintenance items.
Keep in mind that you cannot deduct the costs of improving your home. If you renovate the kitchen or add a bathroom, those expenses are not tax-deductible. You may only deduct what it costs to maintain your home.
Professional Fees and Mortgage Interest
If you have a mortgage on your rental property, you can deduct the amount you pay in interest on that loan. You can also deduct any professional fees you pay that are associated with the rental property. These might include property management fees, insurance or attorney costs, and commissions you pay to real estate agents. You can also deduct any advertising or marketing fees when you’re leasing your property. If you have an accountant or a CPA tracking the income and expenses associated with your property and preparing your tax filings, you can deduct those costs as well.
Deducting Property Depreciation
One of the best ways to limit your tax liability as a rental property owner is by using depreciation as a tax deduction. Even if your property is increasing in value, the IRS allows you to deduct a specific amount in depreciation every year. According to current IRS guidelines, the property you own has a lifespan of 27.5 years. So, you’ll use that number to calculate your depreciation. You cannot include the value of the land your property is on; you’re simply using the value of your house. Divide the cost of your property at the time you acquired it as a rental by 27.5. That’s the amount of depreciation you can include in your tax return.
Proper Tax Accounting and Reporting
It’s important to be detailed in your rental property accounting, and to be precise when you’re filing your taxes. Work with a CPA who has experience with real estate investments, and consider working with a professional property management company. Property managers can provide ongoing accounting statements and reports, as well as a 1099 at the end of the year for your tax filing. Since property management fees are tax-deductible, there’s no reason to worry about the cost of investing in professional management.
We’d be happy to help you achieve all of the tax benefits and ROI you can with your rental property in Fort Worth. Please contact us at McCaw Property Management, and we’ll tell you more.
