What Can You Write Off on a Vacation Rental?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to rent out your vacation home? Or are you planning to rent a vacation home for yourself?

Either way, it’s important to understand what expenses can be written off come tax season. Here’s a breakdown of what you can write off on a vacation rental.

Rental Expenses

Rental Income: If you’re renting out your vacation home, the rental income you receive is taxable. You’ll need to report the income on your tax return, but fortunately, there are deductions that can help offset this.

Property Management: If you hire a property management company to handle the rental of your vacation home, their fees are deductible.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Any expenses related to cleaning and maintaining the property are deductible. This includes things like landscaping, pool maintenance, and repairs.

Travel Expenses

If You’re Renting Out Your Vacation Home:

Travel Expenses to Manage:If you need to travel to your vacation home for maintenance or management purposes, those expenses are deductible. This includes things like airfare, hotel stays, and meals.

If You’re Renting a Vacation Home:

Transportation Costs: The cost of getting to and from the rental property is deductible. This includes airfare or gas mileage if driving.

Lodging Costs: The cost of lodging is also deductible. This includes hotel stays or the cost of renting the property itself.

Tax Deductions for Homeowners

If you own a vacation home that you rent out for part of the year but use for personal use as well, there are some tax deductions available:

Mortgage Interest Deduction:If you have a mortgage on your vacation home, any interest paid on that mortgage is deductible.

Property Taxes:Property taxes paid on your vacation home are also deductible.

Conclusion

Renting a vacation home can be a great way to earn some extra income. However, it’s important to keep track of all expenses related to the rental property so you can take advantage of all available tax deductions come tax season. By understanding what expenses are deductible, you can maximize your savings and make the most out of your vacation rental.