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Free Tax Planning Depreciation Calculator (2026)

Plan your real estate tax strategy with accurate depreciation figures

Why Tax Planning Matters

Effective tax planning for real estate requires understanding exactly how depreciation impacts your bottom line each year. Use our calculator to project annual depreciation deductions across your entire portfolio, estimate tax savings based on your marginal tax bracket, and plan for depreciation recapture when selling. Real estate agents who understand depreciation can better advise investor clients and demonstrate the true after-tax benefits of property ownership.

Best For

Real estate agents serving investor clients

Property owners planning year-end tax strategy

Investors evaluating after-tax returns

Tips & Best Practices

Run depreciation calculations at the beginning of each tax year so you can plan estimated tax payments accurately

Factor in your marginal tax bracket to convert depreciation amounts into actual dollar savings

Remember that depreciation is a non-cash deduction — it reduces your tax bill without requiring out-of-pocket spending

Consider a 1031 exchange to defer both capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes when selling

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can depreciation actually save me in taxes?

Your savings depend on your marginal tax bracket and the depreciable basis of your property. For example, a $300,000 residential rental with $240,000 in building value generates about $8,727 per year in depreciation. At a 32% tax bracket, that saves you approximately $2,793 annually in federal taxes alone.

Can I take depreciation if I show a net loss on my rental?

Yes, depreciation can create or increase a net rental loss. If your adjusted gross income is under $100,000, you may be able to deduct up to $25,000 in passive rental losses against your ordinary income. Above $150,000 AGI, this deduction phases out entirely, but unused losses carry forward to future years.

Does depreciation affect my property basis for capital gains?

Yes, each year of depreciation reduces your adjusted cost basis in the property. When you sell, your capital gain is calculated using this lower adjusted basis, which increases your taxable gain. This is why depreciation recapture exists — the IRS taxes the cumulative depreciation you claimed at up to 25%.

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