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Tax Deductions for Landlords (Part 2)

More landlord tax deductions

As a landlord, you know first hand how fast the “little things” really add up.

Filling up the gas tank after traveling to pick up rent checks, fixing a broken window, and replacing a lock  are just a few examples of expenses that total up over time.

The good news it that each of the expenses just mentioned is in fact tax deductible. Yes, even your vehicle mileage.

In part 1 of this article, we explained that the services you paid for could be included as deductible rental expenses. There are other landlord tax deductions you’ll want to include on your tax return.

What other rental expenses can I include as a deduction?

If you earned rental income, as we mentioned, you can deduct the expenses that you paid in relation to:

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Tax Deductions for Landlords (Part 1)

There are quite a few, often-overlooked expenses that landlords can report as a tax deduction.

If you own rental real estate, you must report the income you earned from this property on your federal tax return. You will also be required to pay tax on your rental income if you made a profit.

First, keep in mind that aside from the monthly payments you receive from your tenants, taxable rental income also includes:

  • advance rent payments
  • security deposits used as a final payment of rent
  • payments for canceling of a lease
  • property or services received in place of money, as rent

So, what’s considered a “rental expense”?

On the plus side, rental properties offer more tax benefits than most investments. In fact, you can deduct a majority of the rental expenses you had during the year. According to the IRS, you can report expenses related to the following:

  1. upkeep & maintenance of the property
  2. conservation & management of the property

Landlord tax deductions also include contract work!

Remember when you forked over thousands to a plumber after your tenant called complaining that the toilet wasn’t flushing?  How about that week the roof collapsed from snowfall and you were forced to track down a roofer?

These (often unexpected) headaches come along with life as a landlord. Fortunately, they are related to the upkeep and maintenance of the property and thus, tax deductible expenses. Continue reading “Tax Deductions for Landlords (Part 1)”

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Can I Claim the Child Tax Credit 2014?

If you meet the requirements to claim the Child Tax Credit 2014, expect to see a larger tax refund in 2015

If you have a child, you know first hand that being a parent changes your life.

Along with the new responsibility comes the expenses of having a child, such as food, clothing, classes, pictures, day care and so much more. Luckily, the IRS offers a few tax advantages to help with the never ending costs. One in particular is the Child Tax Credit.

Keep in mind however, just because you have a child, it does not automatically qualify you to claim the Child Tax Credit on your 2014 Taxes.

In order to claim the credit on your 2014 Tax Return, you’ll have to meet the 7 IRS Child Tax Credit requirements. 

1. Relationship

In order to claim the child tax credit, the child must be one of the following;

  • your child
  • your stepchild
  • a foster child placed with you by a court or authorized agency
  • an adopted child (even if the adoption is not final by the end of the tax year)
  • your brother
  • your sister
  • your stepbrother
  • your stepsister
  • your niece
  • your nephew Continue reading “Can I Claim the Child Tax Credit 2014?”