If You’re Using Airbnb for Some Extra Cash Don’t Forget About Taxes

Have you heard about the latest craze in hospitality? It’s the idea of renting out your home for a night or two, or perhaps even slightly longer, to someone looking for a place to stay other than a hotel. The leader in the industry is Airbnb, which works much like Uber, the personal cab driver company. Airbnb matches renters with those looking for a place to stay via an app, whether it’s a spare room for a night or a luxurious vacation home for two weeks.

It’s a great way for space owners to bring in a little additional income, but it doesn’t come without a price. If you make money through Airbnb, just like with anything else, make sure you understand the taxes involved. That is not necessarily an easy process, either, because the tax codes for renting can get very complex.

First, you have to determine if your home is a residence or a rental. or a combination of both. If you end up using your home exclusively, or for a large majority of the time, as a rental then you will have to report all that income; but you can also use any expenses as a deduction. If you choose to exclude your rental income then you cannot deduct any of your expenses that are attributed to your rental activity.

The bottom line when renting out your home or even a small portion of it is that you need to have a good handle on the tax implications. There are a lot of possible outcomes, but make sure you know which one is best for you before you start welcoming vacationers and other strangers into your home to make a few extra bucks.

Posted in ,
retirement

Retirement Income – Will You Have Enough?

Retirement Income – Will You Have Enough? You could spend as much time in retirement – 30 or even 40 years – as you have spent saving for it. That is why planning for your retirement savings to generate income is critical. Developing a solid plan and appropriate investments for years of income is well…

invest

Systematic Investing: Retirement Plan Opportunities

Systematic Investing: Retirement Plan Opportunities Tax-deferred retirement plans, especially the popular 401(k) plans, have become the key to building financial independence through regular, systematic investing. Take full advantage of your opportunities. Self-employed? Start your own retirement plan. Employed by others but not covered by a retirement plan? If neither you nor your spouse has access…

RETIREMENT PLAN PENALTIES: FAILING TO MAKE THE REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION (RMD)

Retirement Plan Penalties: Failing To Make the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

Retirement Plan Penalties: Failing To Make the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Failing to make the Required Minimum Distribution from a retirement plan can result in one of the IRS’ highest penalties. Take these steps to help your senior clients avoid the penalties. Mary Kay Foss, CPA Director Greenstein Rogoff Olsen & Co. LLP One of…

Career Advice Young Individuals Need To Know

Career Advice Young Individuals Need To Know

Although everyone’s career path is unique, there is career advice all young individuals need to know. For many young people the reality of choosing a career path after college can be very daunting. Unlike students with fairly clear career paths, like those who graduate from law school or medical school, most other students face a…