topic If I traveled to California enroute to inspect my rental property in Hawaii but decided to return home because Covid hit, can I deduct the CA. airfare as rental expense? in Investors & landlords

If I traveled to California enroute to inspect my rental property in Hawaii but decided to return home because Covid hit, can I deduct the CA. airfare as rental expense?

largomez — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 21:44:43 GMT

I stopped in the N. California area to visit family enroute to our rental property in Hawaii

Re: If I traveled to California enroute to inspect my rental property in Hawaii but decided to re...

MaryK4 — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 22:02:32 GMT

Probably not- per the IRS

"You can deduct all of your travel expenses if your trip was entirely business related. If your trip was primarily for business and, while at your business destination, you extended your stay for a vacation, made a personal side trip, or had other personal activities, you can deduct only your business-related travel expenses. These expenses include the travel costs of getting to and from your business destination and any business-related expenses at your business destination."

Because you did not make it to Hawaii, the stop in California, although not the original intent, became the primary purpose. If you did not have family in California and it was just a stop on the way, it may be different.

Re: If I traveled to California enroute to inspect my rental property in Hawaii but decided to re...

largomez — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 21:24:38 GMT

MaryK1101,

Thanks for your great response to my Question. It was most helpful.