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Maximizing Rental Property Deductions: A Guide for Tax Professionals

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For tax and accounting professionals, guiding clients through rental property deductions is an essential service that can lead to significant tax savings. The IRS allows rental property owners to deduct various expenses, but meticulous record-keeping is key to ensuring compliance and maximizing deductions. Let’s explore the most impactful deductions rental property owners can claim and how professionals can help their clients stay organized and tax-efficient.

Download our free Rental Property Expense Tracker: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RPyQYtpIBW8faBmh-8mDH_WwX3CZQca/view?usp=sharing

The Power of Accurate Record-Keeping

The IRS requires rental property owners to maintain detailed records of their expenses. According to the National Association of Tax Professionals, “Proper documentation not only protects against audits but also ensures property owners claim every deduction available to them.” Encouraging clients to use expense tracking tools and digital documentation can streamline the process and reduce end-of-year stress.

Top Deductible Rental Property Expenses

1. Mortgage & Property Expenses

The largest deductions typically come from mortgage interest and property taxes. The IRS allows property owners to deduct mortgage interest on rental properties, along with property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI), and homeowners association (HOA) fees. Additionally, depreciation—spread over 27.5 years for residential properties—can provide substantial tax benefits. This also applies to rental property appliances and capital improvements.

2. Property Management & Professional Services

If a property owner hires a management company, those fees are deductible. Likewise, legal and accounting fees related to managing a rental property qualify as business expenses. Advertising and marketing costs for attracting tenants are also deductible, making it essential for landlords to keep records of these expenses.

3. Repairs & Maintenance

Routine maintenance and necessary repairs are fully deductible in the year they are incurred. This includes painting, plumbing, electrical work, landscaping, pest control, HVAC servicing, and even security system monitoring. However, it’s important to distinguish repairs from capital improvements, as the latter must be depreciated over time instead of deducted immediately.

4. Utilities

If landlords pay for utilities such as electricity, water, gas, trash collection, or internet, they can deduct these costs. For tax professionals, advising clients to clearly separate rental-related utility expenses from personal use is crucial for accurate deductions.

5. Travel & Mileage

If property owners travel for property management tasks, those expenses—including mileage, fuel, lodging, and other travel costs—are deductible. The IRS requires proper documentation, such as mileage logs, to substantiate these claims. Recommending mileage tracking apps to clients can ensure compliance and ease of record-keeping.

6. Miscellaneous Work-Related Expenses

Office supplies, tenant screening costs, eviction-related expenses, licenses, permits, and short-term rental platform fees (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) are all deductible. Additionally, the cost of furnishings and appliances purchased for rental use can either be expensed or depreciated, depending on IRS guidelines.

Third-Party Rental Income & 1099 Forms

Rental income from third-party platforms must be reported, and property owners should receive 1099 forms from Airbnb, VRBO, and property management companies. Ensuring clients collect all relevant income statements and documentation helps prevent errors and underreporting.

Helping Clients Stay Organized

The key to maximizing deductions is a well-maintained record-keeping system. Tax professionals can provide clients with structured tracking templates, recommend cloud-based expense tracking software, and educate them on the importance of saving receipts. As tax expert Mark Kohler states, “A proactive tax strategy begins with great bookkeeping—every dollar tracked is a potential deduction earned.”

Next Steps for Tax Professionals

Encourage your clients to:

  • Regularly update their expense records

  • Keep digital copies of receipts and invoices

  • Upload supporting tax documents to a secure portal

  • Consult with you on depreciation and categorization of expenses

By taking a proactive approach, tax professionals can help rental property owners reduce tax liability and ensure compliance, ultimately strengthening client relationships and adding value to their services.

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