Taxes & Accounting
Deductions, basis, Schedule E, and staying audit-ready.
How to Issue 1099s to Contractors — A Landlord's 4-Step Guide
Landlords who paid contractors $2,000 or more in 2026 must file 1099-NEC forms by Jan 31, 2027 — here's how to pull W-9s, verify TINs, and avoid penalties.
Insurance Premiums — Rental Deduction Rules for Landlords
Most insurance premiums on rental property are deductible on Schedule E — landlord policies, liability coverage, and riders all generally qualify.
Installment Sale of a Rental — Tax Reporting & Recapture
An installment sale spreads a rental's capital gain over the years payments are received, but depreciation recapture is all recognized in the year of sale.
Are HOA Fees Tax-Deductible? Rental vs Personal Home Rules
HOA fees on rental properties are generally deductible; on your personal residence they usually aren't — here's when each applies and how to document them.
Form 8825 — Partnership Rentals Explained for Landlords
When your rental property sits in a partnership or multi-member LLC, Form 8825 replaces Schedule E — the entity reports income and expenses first, then flows net results to each partner's K-1.
Form 4797 — How to Report the Sale of a Rental Property
Form 4797 reports the sale of rental property and calculates depreciation recapture — miss a piece of your cost basis and you'll overpay.
Form 4562 Depreciation Explained — What Landlords Need to Know
Form 4562 is where you report depreciation, Section 179 elections, and bonus depreciation for rental property and business assets — here's what goes on each line.
1099-NEC vs 1099-MISC for Landlords — Which Form to Use
Starting in 2026, you'll issue a 1099-NEC if you paid a contractor $2,000 or more during the year — 1099-MISC covers rent, prizes, and other payments.
Form 1098 Mortgage Interest Explained — What Landlords Need
Form 1098 reports the mortgage interest and sometimes property tax your lender paid — Box 1 is the figure most landlords deduct on Schedule E.
Can Landlords Deduct Education Expenses? IRS Rules in 2026
Education costs that maintain or improve your current rental-business skills can be deducted — but new-trade courses and basic landlord qualification cannot.
Does the IRS Accept Scanned or Photographed Receipts?
The IRS accepts digital copies of paper receipts as long as they're accurate, legible, and stored securely — no paper required.
Depreciation Allowed or Allowable — Why Unclaimed Deductions Still Count
The IRS reduces your basis by the depreciation allowed OR allowable at sale — meaning you may pay recapture even if you never claimed the deduction.
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