100 Tax Deductions for Real Estate Investors & Landlords

Professional Fees

1. Accountant or CPA fees

2. Tax preparation services

3. Consulting fees for property investment advice

4. Attorney fees for legal advice

5. Real estate tax appeal services

Travel and Vehicle Expenses

1. Mileage for property visits (IRS mileage rate)

2. Gas for property-related travel

3. Toll fees

4. Parking fees

5. Car insurance (proportional)

6. Repairs and maintenance for vehicles used in rental operations

7. Vehicle depreciation (if used solely for rental purposes)

Property-Related Expenses

1. Mortgage interest

2. Property taxes

3. Homeowners association (HOA) fees

4. Property insurance premiums

5. Depreciation (building, appliances, furniture, etc.)

6. Repairs and maintenance

7. Landscaping and lawn care

8. Snow removal services

9. Pest control services

10. Trash and recycling service

Office and Administrative Costs

1. Office supplies (pens, paper, notebooks)

2. Business cards

3. Software for property management

4. Accounting and bookkeeping software

5. Postage and mailing expenses

6. Internet and phone bills (proportional)

7. Bank fees for a rental property account

8. Education and training related to property management

Tenant-Related Costs

1. Costs for tenant screening (background checks, credit checks)

2. Lease preparation or renewal fees

3. Advertising and marketing expenses for the rental

4. Eviction costs (court fees, legal fees)

5. Costs for property damages beyond security deposit coverage

6. Tenant relocation assistance

Depreciation and Capital Improvements

1. HVAC systems

2. Roof replacement

3. Plumbing upgrades

4. Electrical upgrades

5. Flooring (carpet, hardwood, etc.)

6. Appliances (refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer)

7. Furniture (if furnished rental)

Insurance and Licenses

1. Flood insurance

2. Landlord liability insurance

3. Umbrella insurance policy

4. Rental permits

5. State and local business licenses

Miscellaneous Expenses

1. Professional memberships (real estate associations)

2. Subscriptions to real estate publications

3. Compliance costs (e.g., smoke detector installation)

4. Key replacement and locksmith services

5. Appraisal fees (rental property valuation)

6. Property inspection fees

7. Bank fees related to rental income

Loan-Related Costs

1. Loan origination fees (amortized)

2. Points paid on a mortgage

3. Late fees on a rental property loan

4. Interest on credit lines for property expenses

Vacation Rental-Specific Deductions

1. Cleaning fees paid to cleaners

2. Guest amenity costs (toiletries, linens, coffee)

3. Vacation rental platform fees (Airbnb, VRBO commissions)

4. Software for short-term rental management

Employee or Contractor Costs

1. Salaries for property caretakers

2. Independent contractor payments (e.g., repair workers)

3. Payroll taxes for employees

Technology and Smart Home Investments

1. Smart locks or security cameras

2. Smart thermostats

Disaster and Emergency Costs

1. Hurricane preparedness supplies

2. Emergency repair costs

3. Insurance deductible payments

Marketing and Growth

1. Website development for rental property promotion

2. Costs for drone photography/video

Utilities and Services

1. Sewer charges

2. Cable or internet for tenants (if provided)

3. Water softener rental costs

Sustainability and Energy Costs

1. Solar panel installation (proportional depreciation)

2. Energy-efficient appliance upgrades

3. Energy audit costs

Uncommon Deductions

1. Quiet title action costs

2. Soil testing fees (e.g., septic system assessments)

3. Well maintenance

Miscellaneous Deductions for Multi-Property Owners

1. Bulk purchasing of supplies (paint, cleaning products)

2. Discounts for long-term contractor agreements

3. Centralized property management system fees

Tax-Planning Deductions

1. Interest on tax penalties related to the rental

2. Cost segregation studies

3. Tax strategy consultations

4. Tax audit defense services

5. Costs to amend past returns (if errors relate to rental properties)

Extra Tenant-Related Costs

1. Professional photography for listings

2. Costs for attending real estate conferences

3. Business meals related to property management

4. Fair housing compliance training

5. Zoning or code compliance fees

More Capital Investments

1. Real estate agent commissions (rental-related)

2. Security services (alarms, monitoring)

3. Property management fees

4. Legal fees related to rental property

5. Professional cleaning or janitorial services