What is the IRS definition of a vacation home?

The IRS will consider a vacation home either a residence or a rental property based on how many days it is used as a rental vs. personal. Rental income from vacation homes rented less than 15 days during the year doesn't need to be reported on tax forms.



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A second home is typically thought of as a vacation home, or one you intend to use on a part-time basis. A second home must meet the following criteria to qualify for a second home loan: The property must be suitable for year-round occupancy, even if you only intend to use it part of the year.

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A second home is a one-unit property that you intend to live in for at least part of the year or visit on a regular basis. Investment properties are typically purchased for generating rental income and are occupied by tenants for the majority of the year.

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Rental Property / Personal Use You're considered to use a dwelling unit as a residence if you use it for personal purposes during the tax year for a number of days that's more than the greater of: 14 days, or. 10% of the total days you rent it to others at a fair rental price.

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For borrowers in the United States, the vacation home must typically be located at least 50 miles away from your primary residence in order to enjoy the “second home” classification that is coupled with a lower interest rate.

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Ultimately, whether or not a vacation home pays for itself depends on several factors such as location and rental income potential.

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The pros can include equity appreciation, tax deductions, and having a personal getaway to use for your own vacations. The cons can include the effort of maintaining an additional property, and the extra expenses—both unexpected costs and expected ones, like taxes and insurance.

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