Airbnb furniture purchases aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re investments. And like most business investments, they can impact your tax bill.
So, can you write off furniture for an Airbnb? Absolutely – but not in a “buy it today, deduct it however you want tomorrow” kind of way. The IRS has rules, and the way you classify and claim those purchases can mean the difference between an easy-peasy tax season and an anxiety-inducing audit.
Below, we’re talking all things Airbnb furniture write-offs – what you can write off, how to do it, and what to know before filing your taxes.
TL;DR: Quick action plan to write off rental property furniture
- Decide how you’ll deduct
Choose between depreciation, Section 179, or de minimis safe harbor for each purchase. - Track your business-use percentage
If you also use the property personally, calculate the exact percentage of time it’s rented. - Log your placed-in-service dates
Only furniture ready and available for guests counts for the deduction year. - Document everything
Save receipts, proof of payment, and notes in your Airbnb expenses spreadsheet or folder. - Consider big-picture timing
If you’re expecting a high-income year, front-load larger purchases to maximize deductions. - Consult a short-term rental tax pro
A tax professional can help ensure you’re applying the right method and avoiding common mistakes.
Can I write off furniture for my rental property?
Yes, you can write off furniture for your Airbnb or rental property – but there are a few right ways (and several wrong ways) to go about it.
Furniture is considered part of your Airbnb expenses list, but the IRS doesn’t view a bed frame the same way it does cleaning supplies or toilet paper.
That’s because furniture usually falls into one of two categories:
- An expense you deduct right away
- A capital asset you deduct gradually over time
Get it right and you’ll maximize your deduction. Get it wrong and you could miss out on legitimate tax savings – or worse, trigger IRS questions you don’t want.
We walk you through a few methods of writing off Airbnb furniture below, scroll down to learn more! 👇
Is Airbnb furniture an expense or a capital asset?
Airbnb furniture can be classified as either an expense or a capital asset, depending on what it is and how it’s used.
Here’s the IRS’s view in plain English:
- Expenses are things you use up quickly (think cleaning supplies, toiletries, lightbulbs).
- Capital assets are bigger-ticket items you use over multiple years – like beds, couches, dressers, and dining tables.
Most Airbnb furniture falls into the “capital asset” bucket. That means you usually can’t deduct the full cost in the year you buy it – unless you qualify for specific write-off methods we’ll cover in the next section.
Treat your Airbnb furniture like the investment it is
A velvet sofa that photographs beautifully can drive bookings, and a pair of Instagram-worthy hammock chairs can entice guests to rebook next summer. But these aren’t just style decisions – they’re part of your STR business infrastructure, just like your Wi-Fi or property management software.
In other words, furniture purchases should be documented, tracked, and accounted for in your Airbnb expenses spreadsheet right alongside utilities, repairs, and marketing costs. That way, when tax season rolls around, you can quickly determine if those items qualify for immediate deduction or depreciation.
How to write off furniture for your rental property
There’s no single IRS-approved way to deduct Airbnb furniture. Instead, there are three main methods, each with its own rules, pros, and cons.
The method you should choose depends on the cost of the furniture, how quickly you want the deduction, and your overall tax strategy.
Option 1: Depreciation (deduct over multiple years)
Depreciation is the slow-and-steady route. Instead of deducting the full cost of your furniture in one year, you spread the deduction over its “useful life” – typically seven years for short-term rental furniture under IRS rules.
Depreciation is most common among hosts who buy multiple pieces at once or are comfortable with gradual tax benefits instead of immediate write-offs.
Example:
If you buy a $1,400 dining set, you could deduct $200 a year for seven years (give or take, depending on IRS depreciation tables).
Pros:
- Smooths deductions over time, which can help if you expect steady rental income.
- Fits neatly into long-term planning.
Cons:
- You don’t get the full tax benefit upfront.
- More recordkeeping – you’ll likely need an Airbnb depreciation calculator or accounting software to keep track.
Option 2: Section 179 expensing (deduct in one year)
Section 179 lets you deduct the full cost of qualifying items (including most furniture) in the year you place it in service, rather than depreciating it over several years.
Section 179 works best for hosts making substantial investments in a single tax year and wanting the tax break now, not later.
Example:
Same scenario – you bought a $1,400 dining set. With Section 179, you deduct the entire $1,400 in the year you add it to your Airbnb.
Pros:
- Immediate deduction can help offset a high-income year.
- Ideal for big upgrades like a full living room refresh.
Cons:
- Can’t be used to create a loss if your Airbnb income is low that year.
- Has annual deduction limits (though these are high for most small operators).
Option 3: De minimis safe harbor election (deduct in one year, low-cost items only)
The de minimis safe harbor election lets you deduct inexpensive purchases ( $2,500 or less per item) immediately, without depreciation. It’s perfect for smaller buys – think nightstands or desks.
For a lot of hosts, this method is a quick win. It lets you claim frequent, smaller upgrades without tons of paperwork.
Example:
You buy two $200 armchairs and deduct the entire $400 expense the same year.
Pros:
- Simplifies your taxes by avoiding depreciation schedules.
- Great for replacing individual items mid-season.
Cons:
- Not useful for big-ticket items over the $2,500 threshold.
- Must be consistently applied across your property accounting.
Crucial considerations when writing off Airbnb furniture
Before you start logging deductions, there are a few IRS fine-print details you should understand. These can affect how much you can deduct, and how easy your next tax season will be.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Deductions are limited to the percentage of time the property is used for business
If you only rent your property part of the year or also use it as a personal vacation home, you can’t write off 100% of your furniture costs. The IRS requires you to prorate deductions based on business use.
Example:
If your home is available to guests 75% of the year and you use it personally 25% of the time, you can only deduct 75% of eligible furniture costs.
Pro tip: Keep a clear rental calendar so you can prove your business-use percentage if asked. A shared calendar app, PMS system, or even a spreadsheet works fine – just make sure it’s accurate.
The ‘placed-in-service’ date matters
The clock for claiming your deduction doesn’t start when you click “buy” – it starts when the furniture is ready and available for guests to use. This is called the “placed in service” date.
Why it matters:
- If you buy a couch in December but don’t assemble it until January, your deduction starts in the new tax year.
- If you’re timing deductions for a particular year, make sure your furniture is set up and ready for guests before December 31.
You need to keep accurate, detailed records
Vacation rental furniture write-offs live and die by documentation.
For every item you plan to deduct, keep:
- The purchase receipt or invoice
- Proof of payment
- A note on the placed-in-service date
- Photos for your own records (helpful if you ever have to prove the item existed and was in use)
Organize these details with your Airbnb expenses list so you’re not scrambling at tax time. A simple folder in your cloud storage labeled “Airbnb Deductions [Year]” can save you hours later – and your accountant will thank you!
Get the best deals on Airbnb furniture
If you’re looking for ways to save on taxes, you’d probably like to save on the furniture itself, too. Saving on Airbnb furnishings and replenishables is easy with Minoan!
Minoan is a native retail platform built for short-term rentals. Members get access to insider prices (up to 60% off retail) on 180+ premium brands, all in one centralized ordering platform.
You can furnish entire spaces in just a few clicks, track every order, and even set up a free digital storefront so guests can shop their stay (and earn you a commission).
Join Minoan today at no cost and start shopping for furniture you can feel good about writing off – and that guests can’t wait to enjoy.
Disclaimer: Minoan is not a tax advisor or financial professional. The information provided in this post is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Before making decisions about deductions, including writing off furniture for your Airbnb, consult a qualified tax professional to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.