Cell phone write off

[Betty567]

Hi all

hoping one of you smart people will know—Can I write off 100% of my cell phone bill used for Airbnb or just calculation based on days booked

thank you

Betty host from BC Canada

[Paula]

Hello @Betty567, welcome to the Airbnb Community Center.

Were you able to get some suggestions elsewhere? 

Keep us posted.

[Kia272]

@Betty567 You cannot write off 100% of your cell phone unless you have a phone exclusively for handling your AirBnB business and have a separate phone for personal and other business use. 

You also don't write it off 'by the day.'

For taxes (in the US), it's all about percentage of use. I imagine it's much the same in Canada. 

I'm self-employed. I tell my CPA how much of my phone use is personal and how much is business. Since it's really hard to pinpoint, most people just use 50/50. 

With a car, you can track usage by mileage. With a cell phone, not so much. 

Honestly, I've never written off any portion of my phone for my AirBnB, as there's not really a need to use it. I can access the platform via computer or phone (or tablet), but I've honestly talked to a guest once or twice over the 4 years that I've been hosting. I keep everything on the AirBnB platform via messaging. 

[Martin3344]

@Betty567

This will really depend on tax rules in Canada which may be different to other countries. You will need to get advice on the rules in your jurisdiction from other Canadian hosts, or from tax advice or information available in Canada. 

[Ana2038]

@Betty567 , I actually write of 10% of my cell phone yearly cost. If the cost is a direct cost to the Airbnb listing (upgrades, maintenance, laundry..etc…) I write off the full amount. Not sure what the tax rules are in Canada but you may want to research your country’s tax laws/rules.

Best—