When do I add a rental to my taxes?

[leighb]

I think this an easy question but for what ever reason, google is failing me. Either that or I've been working on my taxes too long and can't form a good search question.

Here's the story: I bought a house in 2015 with the intention of making it a rental property. It has taken a few thousand dollars and a few months to get ready to rent. Do I add it to my 2015 taxes, if it was not rented in 2015? Or do I just wait for my 2016 taxes? It will be rented for the first time this month.

Thanks

[terran]

I think the last reply here should answer your question: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/taxes/rental-apartment-expenses-in-2015-but-no-income/msg981417/#msg981417

no deduction in 2015, these costs get added to basis, depreciation starts 1/1/16. It doesn't matter when you received rent, its when the apartment was ready to be rented that determines your starting point.

[leighb]

Awesome thanks