Free for Airbnb Hosts

Host Guests for a Living. Make Sure the IRS Sees Your Expenses Too.

The free bookkeeping tool that helps short-term rental hosts organize ordinary and necessary business expenses for Schedule C.

Download Free TemplateSee What You Can Deduct
60+
Business Types
6 Tabs
Per Template
500+
Transaction Rows
$0
Completely Free

Tax Deductions You May Be Missing

These are common Schedule C business expenses that airbnb hosts may be able to claim under IRC §162. Our template has them pre-loaded.

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Supplies & Materials

Line 22

All ordinary and necessary supplies for your business.

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Vehicle & Mileage

Line 9

Gas, mileage to jobs, vehicle maintenance.

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Insurance

Line 15

Business liability, health insurance, vehicle.

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Advertising

Line 8

Google ads, social media, website, business cards.

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Software & Phone

Line 18

Business apps, phone (business portion), CRM.

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Contract Labor

Line 11

Payments to helpers and subcontractors.

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Licenses

Line 23

Business license, professional certifications.

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Other Expenses

Line 27

Professional development, safety gear, uniforms.

How It Works

1

Download

Pick your business type. Get a free template. No signup.

2

Categorize

Enter your bank transactions. Pick from the dropdown. ~30 min.

3

Review

Schedule C summary auto-calculates your income, expenses, and tax.

4

File

Hand it to your Enrolled Agent. Or let Arc & Ledger prepare your return from $300.

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Get Your Free Airbnb Host Template

We'll email your template directly — open it in Excel or upload to Google Sheets. No software to install.

What's Inside

✓ Start Here tab with step-by-step instructions
✓ Business Info tab — your details, ready for filing
✓ Expense categories pre-loaded for your industry
✓ 500-row transaction tracker with dropdown categories
✓ Schedule C summary — auto-calculates your totals
✓ Monthly summary for quarterly estimated taxes

We'll email your template directly. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

ENROLLED AGENT TAX SERVICES

Too Busy to DIY?
We'll Handle Everything.

Arc & Ledger is a tax and bookkeeping firm led by Enrolled Agents — authorized to prepare your return and represent you directly before the IRS. Over 10 years helping self-employed professionals like you.

✓ Schedule C tax preparation from $300
✓ Monthly bookkeeping from $200/mo
✓ S-Corp election & tax planning
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✓ Enrolled Agents — pass rigorous IRS exam
✓ 10+ years serving self-employed professionals
arcandledger.com | (310) 876-0249
bookkeeping@arcandledger.com | Culver City, CA

Get Your Price in 30 Seconds

Question 1 of 4

What income did you have in 2025?

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Need to File for Free? The IRS Can Help.

If you earned under $84,000, you may qualify for IRS Free File — free tax preparation software provided through an IRS partnership. No cost, no catch.

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Our free template works alongside any filing method — use it to organize your expenses first, then file however works best for you.

Common Questions

What Schedule C deductions can Airbnb hosts claim?+
Self-employed short-term rental hosts may deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses under IRC Section 162. Commonly claimed deductions include cleaning and turnover costs (Line 11), guest supplies like toiletries and linens (Line 22), Airbnb service fees (Line 10), repairs and maintenance (Line 21), advertising (Line 8), and property insurance (Line 15). Note: some rental income may be reported on Schedule E instead. Consult a qualified tax professional.
What is Schedule C?+
Schedule C (Form 1040) is the IRS form where sole proprietors report business income and expenses. Short-term rental hosts who provide substantial services to guests (like daily cleaning or breakfast) may use Schedule C rather than Schedule E. The distinction depends on your level of involvement. Our free short-term rental schedule C template is an organizational tool to help categorize expenses. Consult a qualified tax professional about which form applies.
How much tax do self-employed Airbnb hosts pay?+
If your short-term rental income is reported on Schedule C, you generally pay both income tax and self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare) on net profit. Your income tax rate depends on your total taxable income and filing status. If reported on Schedule E, self-employment tax may not apply. Your tax situation may vary, so consult a qualified tax professional.
Do I need to file quarterly estimated taxes as an Airbnb host?+
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, the IRS generally requires quarterly estimated tax payments. Deadlines are typically April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Short-term rental income is often seasonal, so tracking expenses year-round helps estimate quarterly payments more accurately.
Do I use Schedule C or Schedule E for Airbnb income?+
The answer depends on the services you provide. If you offer substantial hospitality services (like daily cleaning, concierge, or meals), the income may be reported on Schedule C and is subject to self-employment tax. If you simply rent the property without significant services, Schedule E may apply. The average stay length and level of service matter. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.
Should I hire an Enrolled Agent or do my own taxes?+
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional who has passed a rigorous IRS exam and is authorized to represent taxpayers directly before the IRS. Unlike other preparers, EAs must pass a rigorous exam and complete continuing education annually. For Airbnb hosts navigating Schedule C vs. Schedule E, depreciation, and local lodging taxes, an EA can provide essential guidance. Arc & Ledger's team of Enrolled Agents specializes in Schedule C businesses.

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