Assuming you are not legally obligated to support your son, yes, it is taxable income. A lot of people like the cost-sharing idea, but I've never seen any legal support for it. But even *IF* the...
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Assuming you are not legally obligated to support your son, yes, it is taxable income. A lot of people like the cost-sharing idea, but I've never seen any legal support for it. But even *IF* the cost-sharing idea were true for a person that lives with you, it would NOT apply if they do not live with you. I know you said that he pays less than Fair Market Value. How much less? For example, it is reasonable to have lower rent for someone that you know is a 'good' renter (like your son). There have been court rulings that have allowed 80% of FMV as counting as close enough to FMV. This next question may not be an easy question to answer, but is this a not-for-profit rental or is it a for-profit rental? Even if expenses are greater than the rent, you also need to factor in that the house tends to increase in value. After factoring in the increase in value of the home, but then counter-acted by long-term maintenance (roof, furnace driveway repaving, etc.) does the long-term outlook seem like this activity would reasonable result in a profit motive? The answers to the FMV question and the for-profit question will determine how to report that income.