Self-employed tax · Airbnb, Vrbo
Airbnb & short-term rental hosts tax calculator (2026)
Estimate 2026 tax on short-term rental income, whether it goes on Schedule E (no self-employment tax) or Schedule C when you provide hotel-like services.
Checked against official sources on September 24, 2026 · Sources
What you were paid before fees and expenses.
Deductions to track
Operating costs
Cleaning, supplies, utilities, platform fees and repairs for the rental.
Depreciation
The building (not land) and furnishings are depreciated over time. A tax professional can help set this up.
Mortgage interest and property tax
The rental-use share of mortgage interest and property taxes.
Good to know
Schedule E or Schedule C?
Most rentals go on Schedule E and aren’t subject to self-employment tax. If you provide substantial services primarily for guests’ convenience, such as regular cleaning, changing linen or maid service, the income goes on Schedule C and SE tax applies. Source
Personal use
If you also use the property yourself, or rent it out fewer than 15 days a year, special rules limit or exclude the income and deductions. Source
Airbnb & short-term rental hosts tax questions
Do Airbnb hosts pay self-employment tax?
Sources
All figures on this page were checked against these sources on September 24, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.
- 1. IRS Publication 527 — Residential rental property
- 2. IRS — Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 (incl. OBBB amendments)
- 3. Rev. Proc. 2025-32 — 2026 tax tables, QBI thresholds, additional standard deduction
- 4. IRS Form 1040-ES (2026) — estimated tax, due dates, SE tax worksheet
- 5. SSA — 2026 COLA fact sheet (Social Security wage base $184,500)