I ordered a paint work done in Dec. 2017 for my rental house and the payment was made in Jan. 18. Can I claim the expense in my 2017 tax return? Thanks!

[KrisD · Accepted solution]

No, if are on a cash basis, it would be deducted in the year you pay it. If you make the funds AVAILABLE, for instance, write a check in December, it is considered as paid in December. It does not matter if the funds had been drawn before the end of the year, only that the check was given or mailed before the end of the year. 

[Edited 03.10.18 | 12:20PM]

[wenhew]

Thanks a lot, TurboxtaxKristD, for your lightning speed answer! I paid by check, the check date was 12/27/17, but the fund was drawn on 1/4/18. Does this mean I need to deduct it in 2018? Thanks again!

[KrisD]

If you wrote the check in 2017, it is an expense for 2017. It is when the funds were made available. (does not matter about the bank being closed or holidays) . Technically you paid in 2017 if the check was written and given to the vendor or dropped into the mailbox.

[wenhew]

Thanks again, TurboxtaxKristD, for your great help! Have a Blessed day!