Tax Deduction Checklist
Comprehensive list of all tax deductions available to rental property owners with documentation requirements.
Rental Property Tax Deduction Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you're claiming all available tax deductions for your rental properties. Keep receipts and documentation for all expenses listed below.
Repairs & Maintenance
- Plumbing repairs and maintenance
- Electrical repairs and maintenance
- HVAC repairs and maintenance
- Roof repairs and maintenance
- Painting and touch-ups
- Landscaping and lawn care
- Cleaning services
- Pest control
- Appliance repairs
- General handyman services
Property Management & Professional Services
- Property management fees
- Legal fees (evictions, lease reviews, etc.)
- Accounting and bookkeeping fees
- Tax preparation fees
- Real estate attorney fees
- Consulting fees
Insurance & Taxes
- Landlord insurance premiums
- Liability insurance
- Property taxes
- Personal property tax on rental items
Utilities (if paid by landlord)
- Electricity
- Water and sewer
- Gas
- Trash collection
- Internet/cable (if included in rent)
Advertising & Marketing
- Online listing fees (Zillow, Apartments.com, etc.)
- Photography for listings
- Signage and marketing materials
- Advertising costs
Travel & Transportation
- Mileage to/from rental property (standard mileage rate)
- Airfare for property visits (if out of state)
- Hotel/lodging for property visits
- Meals (50% deductible) during property visits
Home Office (if qualified)
- Home office deduction (simplified or actual expense method)
- Portion of utilities for home office
- Portion of internet/phone for business use
Other Deductions
- Depreciation (residential: 27.5 years, commercial: 39 years)
- Interest on mortgage/loans
- Points paid on mortgage (amortized over loan term)
- Bank fees and loan origination fees
- Tenant screening fees
- Credit check fees
- Background check fees
- Software and subscriptions (property management software)
- Education and training (real estate courses, books)
- Association dues (landlord associations, real estate groups)
- Bad debt (uncollectible rent, after reasonable collection efforts)
📋 Important Documentation Tips
- • Keep all receipts and invoices organized by property and expense category
- • Use separate bank accounts for rental income and expenses
- • Track mileage using a log or app
- • Save digital copies of all receipts
- • Keep records for at least 3 years (7 years for depreciation records)
- • Consult with a tax professional for complex situations
Related Resources
Tax Resources
Financial Tools
Download This Checklist
Save this checklist as a PDF for easy reference during tax preparation.