New IRS focus on short-term rental income could leave homeowners facing unexpected tax bills in 2025.
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 19, 2025 / The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced increased scrutiny of vacation home rentals, warning that income from short-term stays arranged through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo must be properly reported. Homeowners who casually rent out their vacation properties – even for a few weekends – could face surprise tax liability if they fail to follow IRS rules.
The agency says rental activity will be a priority enforcement area in 2025 as more taxpayers turn to vacation home rentals for extra income. The distinction between personal use and rental use is key: once a property is rented beyond certain limits, the IRS requires that income be reported and, in many cases, taxes paid on the profits.
By answering a few simple questions, taxpayers can find out if they’re eligible for the IRS Fresh Start Program and take the first step toward resolving their tax debt.
“Many homeowners think that if they only rent out their vacation home a handful of times, it won’t matter,” said a spokesperson for Clear Start Tax. “But the IRS has specific thresholds, and even limited rental activity can change the tax treatment of the property. Misunderstanding the rules could lead to unexpected bills or even an audit.”
Clear Start Tax advises vacation homeowners to carefully track days of personal use versus rental use and keep detailed records of expenses. “The line between a personal property and a rental property is thinner than most people realize,” the spokesperson added. “With IRS enforcement ramping up, it’s better to review the rules now than to face penalties later.”
Experts recommend consulting with a tax professional to ensure compliance, especially for those juggling multiple properties or using online rental platforms.
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SOURCE: Clear Start Tax
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
