Bookkeeping Tips for Airbnb Hosts: Keep Your Rental Profits (and Taxes) Under Control
For many Canadians, running an Airbnb feels like easy passive income until it’s time to report it to the CRA. What starts as a few weekend guests quickly becomes a small business with real tax and bookkeeping responsibilities.
Whether you rent out your basement suite or manage a second property, proper Airbnb bookkeeping helps you track profits, claim deductions, and stay compliant.
1. Treat Your Airbnb Like a Small Business
Even one property can count as business income under the ITA if you intend to earn profit. The CRA expects you to keep full records of your Airbnb earnings and expenses.
Set up a separate business bank account to receive Airbnb payouts and pay property-related bills. This makes reconciliation easy in QuickBooks Online or similar software and keeps your books audit-ready.
2. Record All Airbnb Income, Not Just Deposits
Airbnb deposits are net of fees, but the CRA requires you to report your gross income before Airbnb’s service charges.
Include:
Nightly rental income
Cleaning fees and extra guest charges
Pet fees, parking, and late checkout income
Any AirCover payouts (Airbnb reimbursements for damages)
Enter Airbnb’s host service fees as an expense category such as Airbnb platform fees. This gives you a clear picture of total revenue and platform costs.
3. Track Every Deductible Expense
Under ITA section 18(1)(a), you can deduct expenses incurred to earn Airbnb income, including:
Mortgage interest (pro-rated for rental use)
Property taxes and utilities
Cleaning, laundry, and maintenance supplies
Internet, streaming, or TV for guests
Repairs and décor used exclusively for the rental area
If your property is mixed-use (you live there part-time), you can only claim the portion used to earn income. Keep digital copies of receipts , CRA can audit records up to six years back.
4. Understand Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
CCA is the tax term for depreciation. You can claim it on major assets like furniture, appliances, and property improvements.
Common Airbnb-related examples:
Furniture, beds, and décor → Class 8 (20%)
Building structure → Class 1 (4%)
Computer, camera, or smart lock → Class 50 (55%)
Be strategic. Claiming CCA reduces your taxable income now, but could affect your principal residence exemption later if you sell the property.
5. Know When to Register for GST/HST
Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are taxable supplies under the Excise Tax Act.
If your Airbnb revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 12-month period, you must register for GST/HST.
Airbnb collects and remits HST automatically in some provinces, but not all, check your payout reports.
Even if Airbnb remits for you, it’s your responsibility to confirm compliance.
Failing to register on time can trigger penalties and interest, so track your total income monthly.
6. Record Currency Conversion Correctly
Airbnb sometimes pays hosts in U.S. dollars. CRA rules require converting all foreign income to CAD using the Bank of Canada rate on the transaction date (or the annual average rate).
In QuickBooks, enable multi-currency to record exchange gains or losses automatically. Especially important if your property receives international bookings.
7. Track Personal-Use Days
If you occasionally use your Airbnb for yourself, CRA requires you to prorate expenses based on days rented vs. days personally used. Keep a calendar log or use a property-management app that records occupancy, it’s simple proof if CRA asks.
8. Watch Your True Profit Margin
Many Airbnb hosts underestimate costs. Review your monthly numbers:
Cleaning and turnover costs
Utilities and supplies
Repairs and restocking
Airbnb platform fees
Depreciation
This helps you set a nightly rate that actually earns profit, not just covers costs. A clear profit and loss report in QuickBooks will show whether your Airbnb is a money-maker or just breaking even.
9. Automate Your Airbnb Bookkeeping
Automation keeps your Airbnb records consistent:
QuickBooks Online syncs directly with your business bank account.
Dext or Hubdoc automatically import receipts.
Use Airbnb’s payout reports monthly to reconcile all income and fees.
Less time on admin means more time improving guest experience — and more five-star reviews.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb success isn’t just about bookings, it’s about managing your numbers. Clean books protect your profit, reduce tax stress, and give you confidence that your side hustle is running like a real business.
At Falconsight Accounting, we specialize in helping Airbnb hosts set up bookkeeping systems, manage GST/HST filings, and stay compliant with CRA and ITA requirements so you can focus on hosting, not spreadsheets.
Ready to simplify your Airbnb bookkeeping?
Let’s make your short-term rental as profitable as it is welcoming.
📅 Book a free 30-minute consultation with Falconsight Accounting to review your setup, spot missed deductions, and stay fully CRA-compliant.