Time Logs for STR Loophole

[Shane Bishop]

What are the most effective methods for keeping time logs of the work we're putting into our short term rental property for the purposes of qualifying for the STR Tax Loophole? Does the IRS only accept certain methods of time-keeping? Are there apps that we can utilize or do we need a more formal software such as REPSLog?

[Jason Malabute]

Quote from @Shane Bishop:

What are the most effective methods for keeping time logs of the work we're putting into our short term rental property for the purposes of qualifying for the STR Tax Loophole? Does the IRS only accept certain methods of time-keeping? Are there apps that we can utilize or do we need a more formal software such as REPSLog?

From what I've seen, the IRS does not require a specific app or software for STR time logs. What matters most is that your log is reasonable, contemporaneous, and detailed.

At a minimum, your log should clearly document:

• Date the work was performed
• Description of the activity
• Number of hours spent
• Which property the activity relates to
• Who performed the activity

As long as those elements are consistently tracked, a simple spreadsheet is generally sufficient. Formal tools like REPSLog can be helpful, but they’re not strictly required if your records are well maintained.

Here’s a simple Google Sheets logbook template that captures all of the above and can be customized as needed:

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18TPSjWYJfGTV7jtWeuHD... and clarity matter more than the tool itself.