Okoniq Journal
Property tips, taxes & HOA guides
Plain-language guides for homeowners, landlords, and HOA boards — written to help you stay organized and keep more of your money at tax time.
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New to managing property? Start here.
Taxes & Accounting
Deductions, basis, Schedule E, and staying audit-ready.
Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Mortgage & Money
Financing, refinancing, insurance, and cash flow.
Buying & Selling
Valuation, prepping to sell, and the closing process.
HOA & Community
Boards, reserves, meetings, and living in an HOA.
Latest articles
Legal and Professional Fees Landlords Can Deduct
Legal, accounting, and inspection fees tied to rental operations are generally deductible — but fees to acquire property must be capitalized.
How to Split Land vs Building for Rental Depreciation
You can't depreciate land — the IRS requires you to split purchase price between land and building, and that split affects depreciation for decades.
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.
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