The amount of rent you should include on your Wisconsin tax return, when claiming the Homestead Credit, is the Gross Rent paid before the reduction for the work you performed.
Expenses you paid on behalf of the landlord would not reduce the amount of rent reported on your return. Claiming Homestead Credit
If you're mailing your Wisconsin tax return, you'll need to attach your rent certificate or rent verification to your return. If you're e-filing, you should mail your rent certificate or rent verification with Form W-RA to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Form W-RA will be available for you to print and mail once your return has been accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
A Rent Certificate is a form that your landlord fills out as proof of the rent you paid during 2019. If your landlord hasn't completed one, you can download a Rent Certificate, fill it out, and ask your landlord to sign it. If your landlord refuses to sign the rent certificate, you should still enter all of the information. You'll also need to have copies of canceled checks or money order receipts to verify the rent you paid.
Work done in lieu of paying rent is considered income for tax purposes. Landlords and tenants are required to report this barter income on their taxes.
Bartering is the exchange of goods or services. Per IRS.gov Barter Income You must include in gross income in the year of receipt the fair market value of goods or services received from bartering. In the case of work performed for a landlord the amount of the reduction of the rent would be considered income to the tenant. Expenses paid on behalf of the landlord and reduced from the rent are not considered taxable income.
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