CalculateRealEstateROI

Airbnb · Guide

STR Tax Strategy

Short-term rentals can qualify for non-passive treatment, offsetting W-2 income.

Reviewed by Keiron Brown, Founder & Editor, CalculateRealEstateROI · Educational estimates only — not investment, financial, tax, or legal advice

Key takeaways

  • 7-day average stay = non-passive (Schedule E).
  • Material participation 100 hours.
  • Cost seg + bonus depreciation huge.
  • Occupancy tax must be remitted.
  • Track guest stays carefully.

Core concepts

Non-passive treatment

Average stay < 7 days = active income offset.

Material participation

100 hours minimum.

Cost seg

Furnishings 5-year depreciation.

Step-by-step framework

  1. 1Log all guest stays.
  2. 2Track participation hours.
  3. 3Engage cost seg.
  4. 4Remit occupancy tax.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Stays > 7 days = passive.
  • Skipping participation log.
  • Missing occupancy tax.

Frequently asked questions

Why 7-day threshold?

IRS classification trigger.

Material participation?

100 hours.

Cost seg benefit?

30–40% basis accelerated.

Occupancy tax rate?

6–18%.

Action checklist

  • Stays logged.
  • Hours tracked.
  • Cost seg engaged.
  • Occupancy tax remitted.

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