Correct reporting — Most Tahoe rentals belong on Schedule E; Schedule C applies only when you provide hotel-like services. The distinction affects self-employment tax.

 

Depreciation and bonus depreciation — With 100% bonus depreciation back, furniture, appliances, and certain improvements can often be deducted in full in year one. The building itself follows different rules, and personal-use allocation has to be handled correctly.

 

The loss rules — Rental losses are normally passive and can't offset your wages. But short-term rentals with average stays of seven days or less, where you materially participate, are a major exception — one of the most valuable planning opportunities in the tax code for W-2 earners who own a Tahoe cabin. California's rules differ from federal, and I track both.

 

Placer County compliance — STR permits, TOT registration and remittance, and what the booking platforms do and don't handle for you. The county enforces; don't learn that the expensive way.

 

Multi-owner cabins — Buying with friends or family? I advise on LLC vs. tenancy-in-common structures, the tax filings each requires, and how to keep co-ownership from souring over money.

 

QBI and beyond — Whether your rental activity qualifies for the qualified business income deduction, and how to document it if it does.