AirBNB.org, anyone list/host for free? Any tax benefits?

[Kristine Batra]

Hello all,

Has anyone had an experience with a listing through AirBNB.org? Are there are any known tax advantages to giving your space out for free or for a discount?

I have registered my listing through their nonprofit site with a discounted rate (I have a 2-bedroom apt here in Portland,OR) rather than offering for free. Anyone list is for free? Or for a discount fee? Have you had any case workers reach out and facilitate a stay? I recently attended a host2host.com zoom meeting, AirBNB Presents-Product Updates & Refugee Program. They reviewed their 501(c)3 platform (to encourage more listings I presume) and talked extensively about their efforts to resettle refugees.

I know it's fairly new to the platform and I don't see any tax advantages.

Any other thoughts on this new nonprofit from publicly traded airbnb?

[Shannon Paxton]

The IRS doesn't allow you to deduct free rent.  It's kind of the same as unpaid rent on a long term residential rental.  Neither are deductible.

However, you are allowed to rent your personal home to your business without reporting the rental income on your personal tax return.  It's knows as the Augusta Rule.  The IRS allows a business owner to rent out their personal home for business related activities or events such as meetings or retreats for up to 14 days per year.  Using this rule, your business takes the tax deduction of spending money on the rented space, but you don't report the rental income on your personal tax return.

Always check with your CPA or tax pro for full details on your unique tax situation.