What Can You Write Off on a Vacation Rental?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to vacation rentals, many people wonder what expenses can be written off as tax deductions. While the answer may vary depending on your specific situation, there are several things that can be considered as write-offs. In this article, we will explore some of the things you can write off on a vacation rental.

1. Rental Expenses

If you rented out a vacation home for part of the year and used it for personal use for the other part of the year, you may be able to write off a portion of your rental expenses. This includes things like mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, and insurance.

2. Travel Expenses

If you travel to your vacation rental to manage it or perform maintenance tasks, you may be able to write off some of your travel expenses. This includes things like airfare, car rentals, and lodging.

a) Mileage Deduction

If you use your own car for business purposes related to your vacation rental property, you may be eligible for a mileage deduction. Keep track of all trips made for business purposes and calculate the mileage driven each time.

3. Depreciation

If you own a vacation rental property, you can claim depreciation as a tax deduction.

Depreciation is the process of deducting the cost of acquiring an asset over its useful life. You can only claim depreciation on the portion of the property that is used exclusively for rental purposes.

a) Improvement vs Repair Costs

It’s important to note that while repairs are currently deductible in full in one year, improvements must be depreciated over several years according to IRS guidelines. Improvements are defined as anything that adds value to your property or extends its useful life.

4. Professional Services

If you hire professionals to help manage your vacation rental property, their fees may be tax-deductible. This includes things like property management fees, accounting and legal services, and cleaning services.

5. Advertising Costs

If you advertise your vacation rental property to attract renters, you can write off the associated costs as a tax deduction. This includes things like online advertising fees, commissions paid to rental agents, and printing costs for brochures or flyers.

Conclusion

While there are many expenses that can be written off on a vacation rental, it’s important to keep accurate records and consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines. By taking advantage of these deductions, you can save money and improve the profitability of your vacation rental property.