25 Tax Write-Offs for Airbnb Hosts

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As an Airbnb host, you're used to putting the finishing touches on a place to ensure guests feel at home when they book a stay.

Here at Keeper, we want to help you fill out your Schedule C with equal flair, to ensure as much of your hard-earned income also stays with you.

The lockbox you bought so guests can enjoy contactless entry? That's a write-off. Property insurance? It belongs on your Schedule C! Buying social media ads to market your listing? You get the idea.

Read on for a list of even more write-offs for rental property hosts.

📣
Property promotion
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 8

Marketing materials like postcards, property signs, and even ads can be written off.

🔑
Lockboxes & keys
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

You can write off lockboxes and spare keys you keep outside the property so people can check in without you there.

🧽
Cleaning & laundry
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Write off any costs associated with cleaning your property or washing sheets, towels, and other linens.

🔌
Utilities
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Utility bills, like electricity, gas, and water for the property, can be written off

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🥐
Guest amenities & treats
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Treating your guests pays off! Write off that bottle of wine or house breakfast.

💵
Airbnb platform fee
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 10

The percentage Airbnb takes for every guest? You get to write it off.

🎶
Music streaming services
Write it off using:

Write off the streaming service you subscribe to so you can play music during class.

🧰
Maintenance or redesign
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

Write off anything related to keeping your rental space safe and cozy!

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If you drive for work ...

If you have to drive to meet a renter at the property or to pick up furniture, decorations, or home essentials, you can write off some of your car expenses.

🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!

🛣️
Tolls
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 27a

A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!

🚘
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 13

If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.

🧰
Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 22

Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.

☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 15

Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.

🔧
Car maintenance
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 9

Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.

If you discuss work at a restaurant ...

Whether you're a new or seasoned rental property host, there's a lot to be gained from meeting with fellow property hosts or rental owners to learn from their work experiences.This counts as a business meal, so you can write off the cost of the meal.

🍔
Business meals
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24b

If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!

If you leave town for work ...

If you travel to scope out a new potential rental property or to attend a real estate conference in another city, you can write off the associated costs because it counts as a business trip.

🛫
Transportation
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.

🏨
Travel lodging
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.

🥡
Meals while traveling
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 24a

When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!

If you work from home ...

If you work from home, on things like renter communication or writing and advertising property listings, lower your taxable income by deducting your home office expenses.

🛋️
Home office furniture
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 18

A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.

🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 21

You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.

🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.

🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:

Form 8829

Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.

🚰
Water bill
Write it off using:

Form 8829

It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.

🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:

Schedule C, Box 25

Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!