Taxes for real estate and rentals
Agents and brokers, landlords and investors, short-term rental hosts: each files under different rules, and we prepare those returns from one office in Metairie.
Who we work with
Three audiences, three different returns.
Agents and brokers
Commission income is self-employment income. A contracting agent reports fees and commissions on Schedule C, including anything on a Form 1099-NEC; net earnings of $400 or more carry self-employment tax.
Landlords and investors
Rental income and expenses go on Schedule E. The building is depreciated straight line over the 27.5-year period the IRS sets for residential rentals, and rental losses fall under the passive activity rules.
Short-term rental hosts
A dwelling you also live in, rented for fewer than 15 days, produces no reportable rental income. New Orleans licenses short-term rentals through its Short-Term Rental Administration, and the state collects sales and occupancy taxes on room rentals.
What we do
The services real estate clients use most.
- Bookkeeping & Payroll Monthly books, payroll and tax-return ready financials.
- Business Tax 1120-S, 1065 and LLC returns, sales tax and IRS representation.
- Personal Tax Individual and multi-state returns, plus IRS support.
- S Corp Questions Election, owner payroll and the 1120-S. Sometimes the answer is no.
- Year-End Tax Planning Strategy built before filing season, with a dedicated point of contact.
- Quarterly estimated payments Our estimator splits your annual federal tax into four payments.
Rules that change the numbers
Published rules, each with its source.
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Sole proprietors, including independent contractors, report business income on Schedule C. IRS instructions for Schedule C, as of November 2026.
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Self-employment tax is 15.3 percent of net earnings: 12.4 percent for Social Security, 2.9 percent for Medicare. IRS Topic 554, as of November 2026.
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Rental real estate income and expenses are reported on Schedule E. IRS instructions for Schedule E, as of November 2026.
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Residential rental buildings are depreciated straight line over 27.5 years. IRS Publications 527 and 946, as of November 2026.
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Rental losses are passive; the $25,000 offset phases out between $100,000 and $150,000 of modified adjusted gross income. IRS Publication 925, as of November 2026.
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Real estate professional status takes over half your working time and over 750 hours a year in real property businesses. IRS Publication 925, as of November 2026.
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A dwelling used as a residence and rented for fewer than 15 days reports no rental income. IRS Topic 415, as of November 2026.
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New Orleans short-term rental licenses come from the city’s Short-Term Rental Administration, by quarterly lottery for non-commercial rentals, and expire annually. City of New Orleans, as of November 2026.
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Room rentals carry state sales and occupancy taxes; platforms remit both as marketplace facilitators beginning January 1, 2026. Louisiana Department of Revenue, RIB 25-026, as of November 2026.
How we work with you
From the first conversation to year-round support.
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Discovery
We learn your business, your goals and your full financial picture.
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Planning
A year-round tax strategy built around your situation, not a template.
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Execution
Returns, bookkeeping and compliance, handled on time.
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Advisory
We adjust the plan as your life, your business and the law change.
Questions people ask
What is a CPA in real estate?
A CPA is an accountant with a state license. For real estate clients, the license covers preparing the returns on this page and representing you before the IRS when a return is questioned.
Is Airbnb tax deductible?
Rent received for the use of property is income in the year received, and the ordinary expenses of earning it are deductible. A residence rented for fewer than 15 days reports no rental income and deducts no rental expenses.
What can I write off on my taxes for Airbnb?
Deductible rental expenses can include mortgage interest, real estate taxes, maintenance, utilities, insurance and depreciation; on a property you also use, they divide between rental days and personal days.
How do I claim Airbnb on my taxes?
Straight rental income goes on Schedule E; substantial services move it to Schedule C; a residence rented for fewer than 15 days is not reported.
Ready when you are.
Call 504-832-1873 or send a note. We respond within one business day.
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