Can they still claim that they don't have to pay anything because I have an illegal tenant in the basement (even if he is not the cause)?

ThanksIn general, to claim a tax deduction for property taxes, you must have paid the taxes during the tax year in which you are claiming the deduction.

I don't think you get what they claim you're getting and when I asked for help, they just tried to blame it on my hosting company.  

Well, the government owns it (taxes that never end), but allows the bank and myself to claim ownership for the moment...

I am currently working as an independent insurance claims adjuster , but looking to begin my journey in real estate investing at the end of 2016/beginning of 2017.

I actually claim it still as well so it helps come tax season.

Where is your Divorce Decree, all payments and settlements are spelled out in it.A foreign student claims they are in country to take their MCATs(Medical School Entrance Exam), so they want a short-term rental paying cash.

Everyone here is right in saying that you need a thick skin and to ignore those people who claim to know better, without actually knowing anything.

I haven't worried with claiming the gift expense before but may look into it this year.  

Keep things simple for tax reasons and make sure you claim all the deductions (gains and losses) to offset your tax liability.