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January 31, 2023
Question

How can I correct the Depreciable cost basis table ,which shows Building cost basis of $0 and Land cost basis of $464,158 when Land cost=$78,000; Purchase price=$460,000!

  • January 31, 2023
  • 3 replies
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Land cost and purchase price were entered correctly, yet the Depreciable Cost Basis table shows obviously incorrect calculations and doesn't allow editing.

3 replies

PatriciaV
Employee
January 31, 2023

Please confirm under what topic in TurboTax you have entered this sales information. Including screenshots of the entry pages would be helpful as well.

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January 31, 2023

This reply isn't allowing me to copy and paste portions of the TurboTax return using the Snip feature, so I had to resort to Microsoft Word.

Here's the TurboTax section:

OK, we’ll get some details to calculate the cost of HUTTO HOUSE

Here's where I entered the purchase price of the house ($460,000) data was removed:

 

Tell us more about your purchase of HUTTO HOUSE

This info is commonly found in your closing documents, such as a HUD-1 settlement statement. Learn more
The first step to determining your cost basis is getting your original purchase price.
Purchase date
 
Example: Section B, Box I on a HUD-1.
Available date
 
The day this property was ready and available to use as a rental.
Original purchase price
 
Example: Section J, Box 101 on a HUD-1. This value includes land.
 

Here's where I entered the land value 0f $78,000:

Enter your property tax info

This info can be found on your property tax bill. Learn more
We'll use the land and improvement values to calculate your final cost basis.
Land value
 
 
Improvement value
 
Includes buildings, structures, fences, decks, etc.
And this is what TurboTax calculated (COMPLETELY WRONG) ! Can't edit this.
OK, we've calculated your depreciable cost basis
Even though your land has a cost basis, it can't be depreciated.
 

Cost basisDepreciable basis
Building$0$0
Land$464,158n/a
Total$464,158$0

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2023

I have not had that experience in TurboTax Online. In your situation, it might be best if you first clear your cache and cookies. It handles many issues that seem nonsensical on a regular basis. 

  • Close your TurboTax return first.

Watch to be sure you are selecting 'all time' as example.  Do not use selections like 'last hour' for those browsers that give  you options.

Once this is complete open your return and select to enter your income. 

  1. Search (upper right) type rentals > Jump to... link
  2. Begin your review and if necessary enter the cost basis again for both building and land.

Please update here if you need further assistance.

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Carl11_2
Employee
February 2, 2023

Maybe this will help? One issue I've seen a few times, is folks not entering the correct information to begin with, because of a lack of clarity on the screen, or they don't read the small print. When entering the data in the screen that asks for COST and COST OF LAND, using your numbers you'd enter:

COST: $460,000  (this is your total purchase price)

COST OF LAND: $78,000 (this is how much of the COST that is allocated to the land)

Once those figures are entered, the program (not you) will do the math to determine the structure value of $382,000 to be depreciated over the next 27.5 years.

Take note that the final figure to be depreciated may not be exact, because the program will also take into account those closing costs/sales expenses that get added to the cost basis.

 

April 14, 2023

Facing the same issue, building cost is 0. Double checked all the input. How was this issue solved?