What is required for a property to have its basis adjusted?

For a property's basis to be adjusted, it must undergo depreciation or improvements. This adjustment reflects the changes in the property’s value due to physical wear and tear or enhancements made to the property. Depreciation, for instance, allows owners of income-producing properties to allocate the cost of the property over its useful life, effectively reducing their taxable income over time. Improvements, on the other hand, increase the property's value and therefore increase its basis, which can be beneficial when determining gain or loss on a future sale.

The adjustment of basis is a crucial aspect of tax law as it impacts the amount of gain or loss recognized when the property is eventually sold. It’s important for property owners and tax professionals to understand how these adjustments are calculated and recorded for proper tax compliance and planning.