Airbnb Taxes|7 Deductions to Maximize your Profit (2024)

Airbnb Hosting

January 12, 2019

Will I need to Report and Pay taxes on Airbnb?What can I deduct?

If you rent more than 14 days in a calendar year, yes you will need to file a supplementary rental income form with your taxes. But don’t worry it’s easy, just try to spend a few minutes each month to keep track of your Airbnb Income and any deductions you can claim for taxes.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining accounting or other financial advice from an appropriate financial adviser or for the purpose of avoiding U.S. Federal, state or local tax payments and penalties.

Tax Deductions

There are some helpful tax deductions available if you’re an Airbnb Host that can help you lower your tax liability on your vacation rental income.Keep all your receipts and use a free online accounting tool likeWave to keep track each month. This can be exported to your accountant at the end of the year with just one click. Block out a few minutes each month and enter your profits and expenses, while its still fresh in your mind.

Airbnb Taxes|7 Deductions to Maximize your Profit (2)

What can I deduct?

There are some great tax deductions that are available to you. It is important to keep records of your expenses and to save those receipts in a folder and highlight any purchases you made for your Airbnb.

Here are7money-saving deductions you can make:

  • Cleaning– You can deduct the costs of a professional cleaning service or if you do-it -yourself you can deduct your cleaning products and any supplies.
  • Furnishings– If you purchased furniture for your Airbnb. Expenses can be deducted such as: beds, desks, side tables, drawers, and other household essentials.
  • Utility Costs– Gas,electricity,water and sewer. These bills can add up over the year, but they are partially deductible even it your renting a percentage of your home. Take your home’s total square footage and the rentals footage and then deduct that portion) ex if your home is 1000 Sq and the rental is 500 Sq then 50% of your house is your Airbnb. Your utilities can only be deducted from the number days it was rented out per month.for example, If it was rented 15 out of 30 days you could deduct 25% from that month.
  • Food Items–If you provide food items for your guests such as breakfast? Make sure to keep track of the items related to business as opposed to your own food.
  • Rent–If you’re renting your home and then hosting on Airbnb, this is a deduction that will save you quite a bit. To calculate how much rent you can deduct for tax purposes some of your monthly rent payment based on the number of days you had guests each month.
  • For homeowners, add up your costs(mortgage interest, real estate taxes, etc.) you spent each month during the year so you can calculate your vacation rental deductions based on your occupancy rate .
  • Matienence – Collect any receipts for airbnb related service work done by plumbers, electricians, painters etc
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Where do I find My Occupancy Rate , Nights booked and Booked Earnings?

You can find this information easily in The Airbnb App. Go to the section called Progress. Here you will find your booked earnings, nights booked, and occupancy rate. For a complete checklist of what you will need to complete your individual tax return your tax preparer will be able to clarify for you specifically what you’ll need. I hope this article helps you prepare and be ready with those receipts. If you haven’t been saving them then now is a great time to start!

For more great hosting tips be sure to read my book The Ultimate Super Host Guide. The book comes with a free 100% Customizable Guest Welcome book to make your life easier!

Airbnb Taxes|7 Deductions to Maximize your Profit (4)

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1 Comment

  • Airbnb Taxes|7 Deductions to Maximize your Profit (8)

    raf

    February 4, 2019 at 2:15 AM

    This is a pretty good start. If you really need help pro-rating or finding a specific deduction you should consult a CPA that knows short term rentals. I write about AirBnb taxes on my blog here.http://www.gatortaxprep.com/what-about-airbnb-taxes/

    Reply

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Airbnb Taxes|7 Deductions to Maximize your Profit (2024)

FAQs

Airbnb Taxes|7 Deductions to Maximize your Profit? ›

Depreciation, cost segregation, furnishings, cleaning/maintenance fees, marketing, home office deduction, commissions and fees, mortgage interest and insurance, and other indirect expenses are just a few of the tax deductions that Airbnb hosts may be eligible for.

What can I deduct on my taxes for Airbnb? ›

10 Airbnb Tax Write-Offs
  • Depreciation. ...
  • Appliances, Furniture, and Household Supplies. ...
  • Cleaning/Maintenance Fees. ...
  • Marketing and Advertisem*nts. ...
  • Mortgage Interest, Insurance, and Taxes. ...
  • Home Office Deduction. ...
  • Commissions and Fees. ...
  • Professional Services.
Feb 5, 2024

How do I maximize my Airbnb income? ›

5 Ways to grow your Airbnb Revenue
  1. Optimize your pricing. By analyzing the demand and supply in your local market, you can adjust your nightly rates to maximize your occupancy and revenue. ...
  2. Improve your guest experience. ...
  3. Expand your listing. ...
  4. Use social media marketing. ...
  5. Partner with local businesses.
Mar 24, 2023

How do you maximize deductions? ›

Self-employed people who had a high-earning year might push off invoicing for some work to the next calendar year, or stock up on extra business supplies at the end of the year to increase their deductions. Others might wish to make a lump sum of charitable donations before the end of the year.

How do I prepare for Airbnb taxes? ›

  1. Keep flawless records of rental periods.
  2. Document all business expenses.
  3. Apportion mortgage interest and taxes if you only rent a room.
  4. Fill out Form W-9 Taxpayer Identification Number.
  5. Deduct the guest-service or host-service fees.
  6. Learn about applicable occupancy taxes.
  7. Pay self-employment taxes.
Nov 22, 2023

Can you write off utilities for an Airbnb? ›

The amount you can deduct depends on the amount of time your guests use the item. For example, if you host guests for 30 nights out of the year, you'll be able to deduct 8% of the annual cost of your utilities (garbage, electricity, water, gas), cable TV, and internet service. (30 is 8% of 365 days.)

Can I write off furniture for an Airbnb? ›

Is Airbnb furniture tax deductible? Yes, furniture—and any costs to repair existing furniture—can be a deductible expense come tax time. The same applies to amenities and appliances you purchase for your guests, such as a toaster, a TV, bed sheets, and towels. Larger items are usually entered as assets that depreciate.

What is a good profit margin for an Airbnb? ›

According to some estimates, Airbnb hosts typically earn about 80-90% of the rental price, with the rest going to Airbnb in the form of service fees. For example, if a host rents out their property for $100 per night, they may earn $80-90, with the remaining $10-20 going to Airbnb.

What is a good profit for Airbnb? ›

For example, according to a recent analysis, Airbnb hosts have an average monthly income of $924. Several host earnings exceeded $12,000 per month, while some fell below $200. An added advantage is that a host has the freedom to set his or her pricing on Airbnb.

Does Airbnb report to IRS? ›

Form 1099-K reports gross payment transactions processed on your behalf by Airbnb. As a Third Party Settlement Organization (TPSO), Airbnb is required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state tax authorities to issue Form 1099-K to US citizen or US tax resident Hosts who meet 1099-K reporting thresholds.

What deduction can I claim without receipts? ›

What does the IRS allow you to deduct (or “write off”) without receipts?
  • Self-employment taxes. ...
  • Home office expenses. ...
  • Self-employed health insurance premiums. ...
  • Self-employed retirement plan contributions. ...
  • Vehicle expenses. ...
  • Cell phone expenses.
Nov 10, 2022

What are some good tax deductions? ›

You can deduct these expenses whether you take the standard deduction or itemize:
  • Alimony payments.
  • Business use of your car.
  • Business use of your home.
  • Money you put in an IRA.
  • Money you put in health savings accounts.
  • Penalties on early withdrawals from savings.
  • Student loan interest.
  • Teacher expenses.

What is the most frequently overlooked tax deduction? ›

The retirement saver's tax credit is one of the most frequently overlooked tax breaks, and it can be worth up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Is Airbnb income considered rental income? ›

Airbnb hosts who offer their property for short-term rental are subject to the income tax rules for residential rental property.

Is Airbnb income considered passive income? ›

Airbnb lets you generate passive income from your home or spare room. Being an Airbnb host involves listing your property on its platform, which handles bookings and communications with guests. Hosts are paid out based on guest stays.

Is an Airbnb considered a business? ›

If you offer accommodations as a company or sole proprietor in the offline world, then your hosting activities on Airbnb will most likely also constitute a business activity. You also typically act as a professional if you regularly host on Airbnb over a longer period of time in order to make a profit.

Is Airbnb income considered self-employment? ›

Services Provided to Airbnb Customers Could be Subject to Self-Employment Tax. According to IRS regulations, services are generally considered above and beyond the norm only if they exceed the services that are customarily provided to renters of living quarters.

What is Section 179 deduction for Airbnb? ›

Section 179 of the tax code allows owners to write off the costs — up to $1,050,000 for 2021 — of certain personal property used in a business. Since 2018, vacation rental operators have been able to write off the costs of fire systems, security systems, roofs, and HVACs.

Does Airbnb report taxes to IRS? ›

Form 1099-K reports gross payment transactions processed on your behalf by Airbnb. As a Third Party Settlement Organization (TPSO), Airbnb is required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state tax authorities to issue Form 1099-K to US citizen or US tax resident Hosts who meet 1099-K reporting thresholds.

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