Carl
Level 15

Investors & landlords

@judyh47 before you can get into the details you're asking about, you need to first determine if this is a SCH C business or a SCH E business.

While it may be a seasonal rental, what is a "season" to you? 1 month? 3 months? 6 months? What will the property be used for when it's not available as a seasonal rental?

Will you be providing recurring services to the tenants, that are directly beneficial to that tenant? For example, the time between renters when it's vacant and you're preparing it for the next renter, generally doesn't count because that's just a part of doing business and it's "somewhat" not considered directly beneficial to the tenant.

But if you will be providing periodic services to the tenant that are directly beneficial to that tenant while it's occupied, that counts. For example, cleaning services, laundry service, meal service, etc.

If you are providing services to the tenant on a periodic/regular basis then this "could" qualify as a SCH C business. Otherwise, it would be reported on SCH E.

I would highly suggest you get with a tax pro in your area that is familiar with the AirB&B scenario to see what your options are. They can also educate you on the pros and cons of a SCH C business and a SCH E business. That knowledge would be especially helpful to you if your state also taxes personal income. In some places, an AirB&B rental may be subject to the same rules, ordinances, covenants and laws as a hotel is. So you really need to seek professional help setting this up for your first year.  You've already started doing it the smart way by asking questions "before" taking the chance on learning things the hard (and expensive) way.  You'll find the money for the professional help to be well worth it, and the amount may be a pittance when compared to the costs you may risk incurring by not educating yourself first.

Then, after that first year if you want to deal with the tax front yourself on this with TurboTax, you most certainly can.