Free Rental Depreciation Calculator

Calculate annual straight-line depreciation for a residential rental property over the 27.5-year recovery period.

USD
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USD
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%

Annual Depreciation Deduction

$10,364

Monthly Depreciation$863.64
Annual Tax Savings$3,316
Depreciable Basis$285,000
Total Depreciation (27.5 years)$285,000
Land as % of Purchase20.0%

Annual Depreciation Deduction vs Marginal Tax Rate

Rental Property Depreciation

The IRS allows residential rental property owners to deduct the cost of the building over 27.5 years using straight-line depreciation.

Formula

Annual Depreciation = Depreciable Basis / 27.5

Depreciable Basis = Purchase Price - Land Value + Capitalized Costs + Improvements

Key Rules

  • Land is never depreciable
  • Depreciation begins when the property is placed in service (available for rent)
  • The first and last year use a mid-month convention (partial year)
  • Depreciation is mandatory even if not claimed (recaptured at sale)
  • Land Value Allocation

    The IRS requires a reasonable allocation between land and building. Methods include:

  • County tax assessment ratios
  • Appraisal allocation
  • Comparable land sales
  • Example Calculation

    Purchased a rental for $350,000 with $70,000 land value, $5,000 capitalized closing costs, no improvements. 32% tax bracket.

    1. 01Depreciable basis: $350,000 - $70,000 + $5,000 = $285,000
    2. 02Annual depreciation: $285,000 / 27.5 = $10,364
    3. 03Monthly depreciation: $10,364 / 12 = $863.64
    4. 04Annual tax savings: $10,364 x 32% = $3,316
    5. 05Land as % of purchase: $70,000 / $350,000 = 20.0%
    6. 06Total depreciation over 27.5 years: $285,000

    Frequently Asked Questions

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