Can You Write Off Vacation As A Real Estate Expense?

Q: Gerald, we are going away this month, can we write off our vacation as a real estate expense? Susan, Tinton Falls, NJ
A: I am not a CPA, but I didn’t consult a friend of mine who is a CPA about your question and he said that you have to demonstrate that the purpose of your trip was real estate related in order for the trip to be tax deductible. This means you’d need to schedule real estate related appointments and meetings before you leave in order for your trip to be deductible. So, for example, if you attend a real estate seminar while on your trip that you’d like to deduct as a real estate expense, you’d need to pre-register for the event before you leave to demonstrate purpose.
Thanks for your question, Susan. For more real estate information and tips visit my blog at geraldlucas.com.