Key takeaways
- Airbnb Hosts file as 1099 / self-employed, so business expenses are deductible on Schedule C.
- Deductions cut both income tax and the 15.3% self-employment tax.
- The biggest write-offs for Airbnb and short-term rental hosts are listed below, with what each covers.
- You need receipts and a mileage log to claim them.
Tax write-offs for Airbnb and short-term rental hosts
Here are the deductions Airbnb and short-term rental hosts most commonly claim. Each one lowers your net profit, and therefore your tax:
| Deduction | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Cleaning and turnover | Cleaners between guests and cleaning supplies. |
| Guest supplies | Toiletries, linens, coffee, and consumables for guests. |
| Platform fees | Airbnb and VRBO host service fees. |
| Utilities | Electric, gas, water, and internet (rental-use share). |
| Repairs and maintenance | Fixing and maintaining the rental space. |
| Furnishings and decor | Furniture and equipment for the rental, expensed or depreciated. |
| Insurance | Landlord or short-term-rental insurance. |
| Mortgage interest and property tax | The rental-use share, on Schedule E. |
| Depreciation | The building and major improvements over their useful life. |
| Property management | Fees paid to a manager or co-host. |
Schedule E or Schedule C for your rental?
Most hosts report rental income and expenses on Schedule E (rental real estate), which is not subject to self-employment tax. If you provide substantial services beyond basic hosting, more like a hotel or B&B, the IRS may treat it as a Schedule C business, which is subject to self-employment tax but allows business treatment of expenses. The line depends on the services you provide, so check with a tax professional if you offer more than a clean, furnished space.
Splitting expenses for a partly personal property
If you also use the property personally, you deduct only the rental-use share of mixed expenses (utilities, insurance, depreciation), based on the days rented versus days of personal use. Direct rental costs, cleaning between guests, guest supplies, and platform fees, are fully deductible. Keep a calendar of rental vs personal days to support the split.
How these deductions lower your tax
As a airbnb host, your tax is based on net profit, which is your income minus these business expenses. Because both self-employment tax and income tax are calculated on that profit, every dollar you deduct is taxed at neither rate, saving most contractors roughly 25 to 40 cents on the dollar. The catch is documentation: you can only deduct what you can prove, so capturing receipts and miles through the year is what turns this list into real savings.
See what these deductions save you with our free calculators, then let NeoReceipt make sure you capture every one.