For individuals who rent out their residential property for income, there are different tax rules that apply based on whether they used the property as a residence at any time over the course of the year.
Residential rental property may include a single house, condominium, apartment, mobile home, vacation home, or similar property. These properties are often referred to as dwellings. Taxpayers renting the property can use more than one dwelling as a residence during the year. Using a dwelling for personal purposes for more than the greater of 14 days or 10 percent of the total days rented to others at a fair rental value is considered a residence. Personal use includes:
• Any person who owns an interest in the property or a family member of such person
• Anyone who has an arrangement that lets the owner use some other dwelling
• Anyone using the property at less than fair rental value
Personal use does not include days for repair and maintenance if the work is being done on a largely full-time basis.
* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov[7]
[7] www.irs.gov/newsroom/know-the-tax-facts-about-renting-out-residential-property
