2026 Airbnb Tax Deduction Checklist
Schedule E reference for short-term rental hosts
Black Cat Analytics
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How to use this: tick the items that apply to your rental as you organize your records. Bring the checked list to your CPA, or use it month-to-month to make sure receipts are being saved. Items are grouped by the Schedule E categories most hosts file under. Always confirm specifics with a qualified tax professional — this is a reference, not advice.
Property Operating Expenses
- Mortgage interest (100% on pure rental)
- Property taxes (no SALT cap on rental)
- Homeowners insurance
- Short-term rental coverage / liability
- Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Electricity
- Water and sewer
- Natural gas
- Internet
- Cable / streaming for guests
- Trash removal
- HOA / condo fees
- Cleaning fees per turnover
- Laundry services (linens, towels)
- Cleaning supplies
- Repairs (plumbing, drywall, paint)
- HVAC servicing & filters
- Appliance repairs
- Pest control
- Guest amenities & toiletries
- Kitchen essentials & replacements
- Linens, towels, bedding
- Landscaping / lawn care
- Snow removal
Business Expenses
- Airbnb host service fee (3–15%)
- Vrbo / other platform fees
- Property management fees (15–30%)
- Co-host fees
- Professional photography
- Paid listing upgrades
- Rental website / domain
- Social media ads
- Tax preparation fees
- Legal fees
- Accounting software
- Rental management software
- Home office (simplified or actual)
- Mileage (IRS standard rate)
- Vehicle expenses (actual method)
- Travel airfare & lodging
- Business meals (50%)
- Bank & payment processor fees
Depreciation
- Building depreciation (27.5 years)
- Appliances (5–7 years)
- Furniture & furnishings (5–7 years)
- Smart home / IoT devices (5–7 years)
- Section 179 expensing
- Bonus depreciation (placed in service after 1/19/25)
- Cost segregation study (properties $300K+)
- Land improvements (15 years)
- Landscaping & hardscape
- Carpeting (5 years)
- Specialized lighting (7 years)
Capital Improvements (depreciated)
- New roof
- New HVAC system
- Kitchen remodel
- Bathroom remodel
- Deck / patio addition
- New fence
- Window replacement
- Major plumbing / electrical upgrades
Often Missed
- HELOC interest used for renovations
- Lodging taxes you paid out of pocket
- Books, courses, conferences (hosting)
- Subscriptions for STR-related tools
- Cell phone (business-use portion)
- Office supplies for STR admin
- Bookkeeping / virtual assistant fees
Watch out for these mistakes
- Confusing repairs (expense now) with improvements (depreciate)
- Skipping depreciation — you owe recapture tax on sale either way
- 14-day / 10% personal-use rule (re-classifies the property)
- Filing Schedule C when E applies (triggers self-employment tax)
- Untracked mileage (~$2,000+ unclaimed at 3,000 mi/yr)
- No detailed calendar on mixed-use property
- No separate bank account / credit card for the rental