Maximize your rental income with accurate tax filing.

Whether you rent an AirBnB or an apartment, we’ll help you choose the right filing path and capture your eligible deductions.

Rental Property Taxes
Rental property

How the IRS taxes rental income

Most rental income, such as from a vacation rental or long-term unit, is treated as passive and reported on Schedule E.

For filers who are providing housing, not hospitality.

• You rent out the property, short-term or long-term.

• You clean only between guests, not during stays.

• You restock simple basics like toilet paper or soap.


• You may cover utilities or Wi-Fi, but nothing more.

This is likely passive income on Schedule E.

A room in an apartment

Is your rental under an LLC or a Partnership?

This typically requires a separate business return (Form 1065) and issues K-1s to each owner. TaxAct supports both personal and business filings, so you can handle everything in one place. 

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Join the rental owners who file with TaxAct  

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Reviews Check MarkWe ask the questions that guide you to an accurate return — no guesswork.
Reviews Check MarkOur smart tools uncover eligible deductions, including mortgage interest and property taxes.
Reviews Check MarkWe help you maximize deductions, including interest, taxes, repairs, insurance, fees, and depreciation.
Reviews Check MarkBuilt for mixed income: file your W-2, 1099, and rental income in one return.

Easy to understand directions

“We have multiple investment incomes and Tax Act covers them all. If you keep an account with them the following years are easier because they keep your information so all you have to do is enter the new years numbers.”

@Ecofriendly May 4, 2025

Made filing taxes easy

“I had a few different things come up last year and TaxAct was able to fill out the appropriate forms and guided me through the entire process. Took a lot of stress off me and I got back a good refund. Thanks.”

@David B May 25, 2025

Easy filing

“I’ve used TaxAct for many years now but this year we had many changes to the types of income we received as...I retired and lived off of different investments. I was concerned this would make filing a lot harder but was extremely surprised and happy to find out TaxAct made the filing quick and easy.” (edited for length)

@DJ01 Feb 26, 2025

Before you file, let’s talk deductions.

Know what to deduct and how to save

A quick look at common deductions and credits for investors, plus what you’ll want nearby before you start. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all yet — you can add details as you go. 

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Mortgage interest & property taxes 

Reduce rental income with deductible interest and taxes paid on the property.

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Repairs & routine maintenance

Deduct the cost of basic upkeep. Larger improvements are depreciated over time.

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Insurance, fees & paid utilities

Claim expenses for insurance, HOA or condo fees, and utilities you cover.

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Cleaning, supplies & service fees

Deduct cleaning costs, linens, supplies, and platform service fees for your rental.

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Advertising & tenant screening

Expenses for listing your rental or screening guests are fully deductible each year.

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Mileage & vehicle costs

Deduct mileage or vehicle costs for trips to the property for repairs or inspections

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Depreciation & improvements

Recover the value of your rental over time and depreciate eligible improvements.

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What you’ll need to get started:

  • Rental income totals (including platform payouts) 

  • Expense totals by category (we’ll help you organize) 


  • Property details: in-service date, major improvements, and purchase info for depreciation 

  • Any 1099s you received (if applicable) 

Start Filing
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What you’ll need to get started:

  • Rental income totals (including platform payouts) 

  • Expense totals by category (we’ll help you organize) 


  • Property details: in-service date, major improvements, and purchase info for depreciation 

  • Any 1099s you received (if applicable) 

Start Filing

Tools made for rental property owners

Even when your return is accurate, audits can happen.Add Audit Defense to get: 

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Self-Employment Tax Calculator 

Estimate what you might owe, so there are no surprises.

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Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Calculator

Estimate your AGI to help plan rental deductions and avoid surprises at tax time.

Try It Now
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Rental Owner Tax Tips

Simple guides on write-offs, 1099 forms, and IRS rules — written for side hustlers. 

Explore The Blog
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Enjoy peace of mind if the IRS comes calling. 

Even when your return is accurate, audits can happen.Add Audit Defense to get: 

  • 3 years of protection on your federal and state returns 
  • Dedicated tax experts to represent you if the IRS audits 
  • Confidence that you won’t face an audit alone 
  • Start With Audit Defense
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    audit defense icon

    Enjoy peace of mind if the IRS comes calling. 

    Even when your return is accurate, audits can happen.Add Audit Defense to get: 

  • 3 years of protection on your federal and state returns 
  • Dedicated tax experts to represent you if the IRS audits 
  • Confidence that you won’t face an audit alone 
  • Start With Audit Defense

    Ready to start filing your taxes?

    Start Filing

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes. If you earn money from renting out property, the IRS requires you to report that income on your tax return. This includes regular rent payments, advance rent, and certain payments made by tenants on your behalf. Rental income is reported even if you only rent the property for part of the year.