Christmas gift cards for tenants tax deductible?

[Haresh Patel]

Hello. 

Learnt so much from this community. thank you one and all. 

I have bought 3 SFH in dallas area in last 1 year. come Christmas I am thinking about sending gift cards to all my tenants. can I charge this as tax deductible?

Thanks,
Haresh

[Jonathan Blum]

I own 22 units and send my tenants holiday cards with small ($10-20) gift cards annually, usually to Starbucks or a local bakery.  Have done this for many years.  I write it off as an advertising expense.  The tenants really appreciate it and it means a lot around holiday time when they may be stressed for money.  I appreciate them paying their rent every month year-round.  It feels good to give something back.  Interestingly, in seven years of owning rental properties I've never had a single eviction, non-payment or place trashed.  Might be good luck, or treating people well.  I'll keep hoping for good luck and treating others the way I'd like to be treated.