Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees Taxable? What Hosts Need to Know (2025)
Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees Taxable? What Hosts Need to Know (2025)
As an Airbnb host in Town and Country or surrounding areas, you might be asking: are Airbnb cleaning fees taxable? The answer depends on the type of tax—income tax or local lodging tax—and your property’s location. With tax laws tightening in 2025, it’s crucial to know how to handle cleaning fees properly to avoid penalties and maximize your deductions.
Income Tax: Yes, Cleaning Fees Are Taxable
The IRS considers all payments from guests—including cleaning fees—as rental income. Whether you hire a professional Airbnb cleaning service or clean it yourself, the money you charge for cleaning must be reported on your tax return.
Even if you reinvest that fee into supplies or services, it’s still taxable. Hosts receiving over $2,500 in total transactions via platforms like Airbnb will receive a 1099-K, which includes cleaning fees in the gross amount reported.
Lodging Tax: Depends on Your Location
Cleaning fees may also be subject to local lodging taxes—especially if the fee is mandatory. In Missouri, including areas like Clayton and Creve Coeur, lodging tax rules often include mandatory cleaning charges in the taxable amount. According to Avalara’s MyLodgeTax, most states apply tax to any “required cost of stay” including cleaning fees.
California Example: Sonoma County taxes mandatory cleaning fees as part of the room rate.
Missouri Reminder: Check with the Missouri Department of Revenue or your municipality’s lodging tax office to confirm whether you should be collecting lodging tax on cleaning fees.
Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees Deductible?
Yes! While you must report cleaning fees as income, the good news is that the expenses incurred from cleaning services are deductible. Whether you’re purchasing supplies or hiring Clean Town and Country’s Airbnb cleaning services, those expenses reduce your taxable income.
Deductible Cleaning Expenses Include:
- Weekly or bi-weekly Airbnb turnovers
- Deep cleans between long-term guests
- Supplies like disinfectants, paper goods, and vacuums
- Post-renovation or move-out cleanings
Looking for a trusted, local cleaning partner? Learn more about our post-renovation cleaning services or move-out cleanings.
Mixed-Use Properties and Cleaning Fee Deductions
If your Airbnb property doubles as a personal vacation home, you’ll need to allocate expenses based on the number of days it’s rented vs. personal use. Only cleaning costs related to rental days are deductible.
How to Track Cleaning Income and Expenses
Keep detailed records including:
- Invoices from cleaning companies
- Receipts for supplies
- Dates and purposes of cleanings
Use accounting software or consult a short-term rental tax pro. Tools like QuickBooks can simplify this process.
Final Thoughts for Airbnb Hosts in Missouri
Yes, Airbnb cleaning fees are taxable—both for federal income and possibly local lodging tax purposes. But you can also deduct cleaning costs, reducing your taxable income.
To stay compliant:
- Track all income and cleaning expenses
- Understand Missouri and local lodging tax rules
- Work with a cleaning partner you trust
Clean Town and Country provides professional, reliable cleaning for Airbnb hosts throughout Town and Country, Clayton, and beyond. From weekly cleaning to monthly service, we help hosts meet guest expectations and tax requirements.
📍 Serving: Town and Country, Ladue, Frontenac, Olivette, Creve Coeur, Clayton, Brentwood, Huntleigh
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 314-888-5325
📍 Google Business Profile: Airbnb cleaning services
More blog articles:
Hosting an Airbnb in Town and Country? Here’s Why Deep Cleaning Isn’t Optional.
