10/28/2026
Thinking About an Airbnb? What You Can and Can't Write Off
Buying a home to rent on Airbnb or VRBO won't let you deduct the purchase price.
What you can deduct: mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, cleaning and booking fees, plus the building itself, deducted over many years. The land is not deductible.
Rental losses usually can't offset job income. A short-term rental can be an exception when guests stay an average of 7 days or less. One common way to qualify: more than 100 hours a year, and no less than anyone else who works on the property.
Using the home yourself too much can limit deductions, and depreciation claimed may be taxed when you sell.
What to do: Keep a log of your time, keep it with your records, and share a copy with your tax preparer. It is not filed with your return, but it is your proof if the IRS asks.
Questions? Call V-Tax PLUS at (720) 645-8724.
General information only, not tax advice for your specific situation.