IRS Form Schedule E

Form Schedule E: Supplemental Income and Loss

A plain-English guide to IRS Form Schedule E — what it's for, who files it, when it's due, and how to complete it.

Form numberSchedule E
Official nameSupplemental Income and Loss
CategoryIndividual
Typically dueWith Form 1040 (April 15)
Official IRS Form Schedule E (PDF)

What is Form Schedule E?

Schedule E reports income and expenses from rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations and trusts. It's where landlords and pass-through owners report their share of income.

For landlords, the quiet hero of Schedule E is depreciation — you deduct a slice of the building's value each year (over 27.5 years for residential rentals) even though it costs no cash. That's how a property with positive cash flow can still show a taxable loss on paper.

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Who files it

Rental property owners, royalty recipients and owners who receive a Schedule K-1.

When it's due

Form Schedule E is generally due With Form 1040 (April 15). Deadlines can move for weekends and holidays, so confirm the exact date for the current year on IRS.gov.

Key lines and parts

Here's what you'll actually fill in on Form Schedule E:

  • Part I — rental and royalty income and expenses
  • Part II — partnership and S corporation income
  • Part III — estate and trust income

How to file

Report each property's rent and expenses, or carry K-1 amounts here, and total to your 1040.

Common mistakes & penalties

Passive-activity rules limit how much rental loss most people can deduct against other income, though active landlords under $100,000 of income can often take up to $25,000. And don't forget: skipped depreciation still gets recaptured when you sell, so claim it every year.
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Frequently asked questions

What is IRS Form Schedule E?

Schedule E reports income and expenses from rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations and trusts. It's where landlords and pass-through owners report their share of income.

Who has to file Form Schedule E?

Rental property owners, royalty recipients and owners who receive a Schedule K-1.

When is Form Schedule E due?

Form Schedule E is generally due With Form 1040 (April 15). Always confirm the current year's date on IRS.gov, since deadlines shift for weekends and holidays.

What's the most common mistake with Form Schedule E?

Passive-activity rules limit how much rental loss most people can deduct against other income, though active landlords under $100,000 of income can often take up to $25,000. And don't forget: skipped depreciation still gets recaptured when you sell, so claim it every year.