<p><p>Rental income is taxable, but the IRS allows landlords to deduct a wide range of expenses. These deductions are reported on <strong>Schedule E</strong> of your Form 1040.</p><h2>Deductible Rental Expenses</h2><ul><li><strong>Mortgage interest:</strong> Fully deductible for rental properties</li><li><strong>Property taxes:</strong> Deductible (no $10,000 SALT cap for rental properties)</li><li><strong>Depreciation:</strong> You can depreciate the building (not land) over <strong>27.5 years</strong> β one of the most valuable deductions</li><li><strong>Repairs and maintenance:</strong> Deductible in the year incurred (improvements must be capitalized)</li><li><strong>Insurance premiums:</strong> Fully deductible</li><li><strong>Property management fees:</strong> Fully deductible</li><li><strong>Advertising:</strong> Listing fees, photography, signage</li><li><strong>Professional fees:</strong> Accountant and attorney fees related to the rental</li><li><strong>Travel:</strong> Miles driven to manage, maintain, or collect rent</li><li><strong>Utilities you pay:</strong> Fully deductible</li></ul><h2>Passive Activity Loss Rules</h2><p>Rental losses are generally passive. You can deduct up to <strong>$25,000</strong> in rental losses against ordinary income if your AGI is $100,000 or less. This phases out above $100,000 and disappears at $150,000 AGI.</p><h2>Repairs vs Improvements</h2><p>Fixing a broken window is a repair (deduct now). Replacing all windows is an improvement (capitalize and depreciate). The distinction matters for your tax return.</p><p><em>Source: IRS Publication 527; Schedule E Instructions</em></p></p>
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