Free for RE Investors

You Build Wealth Through Property. Your Tax Strategy Should Be Just as Strong.

The free bookkeeping tool that helps real estate investors organize ordinary and necessary business expenses for Schedule C and Schedule E.

Download Free TemplateSee What You Can Deduct
60+
Business Types
6 Tabs
Per Template
500+
Transaction Rows
$0
Completely Free

Tax Deductions You May Be Missing

These are common Schedule C business expenses that re investors may be able to claim under IRC §162. Our template has them pre-loaded.

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Mortgage Interest

Schedule E

Loan interest on rental properties (not principal).

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Property Taxes

Schedule E

Real estate taxes on rental properties.

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Repairs & Maintenance

Schedule E

Plumbing, electrical, painting, appliances, landscaping.

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Property Management

Schedule E

Manager fees (8-12%), tenant screening, leasing.

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Insurance

Schedule E

Landlord insurance, umbrella, flood, loss of rent.

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Depreciation

Schedule E

Residential: 27.5 years. Commercial: 39 years.

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Travel to Properties

Schedule E

Mileage to properties, out-of-state travel.

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Professional Services

Schedule E

Tax professional, attorney, title company, appraiser, inspector.

How It Works

1

Download

Pick your business type. Get a free template. No signup.

2

Categorize

Enter your bank transactions. Pick from the dropdown. ~30 min.

3

Review

Schedule C summary auto-calculates your income, expenses, and tax.

4

File

Hand it to your Enrolled Agent. Or let Arc & Ledger prepare your return from $300.

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Get Your Free RE Investor Template

We'll email your template directly — open it in Excel or upload to Google Sheets. No software to install.

What's Inside

✓ Start Here tab with step-by-step instructions
✓ Business Info tab — your details, ready for filing
✓ Expense categories pre-loaded for your industry
✓ 500-row transaction tracker with dropdown categories
✓ Schedule C summary — auto-calculates your totals
✓ Monthly summary for quarterly estimated taxes

We'll email your template directly. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

ENROLLED AGENT TAX SERVICES

Too Busy to DIY?
We'll Handle Everything.

Arc & Ledger is a tax and bookkeeping firm led by Enrolled Agents — authorized to prepare your return and represent you directly before the IRS. Over 10 years helping self-employed professionals like you.

✓ Schedule C tax preparation from $300
✓ Monthly bookkeeping from $200/mo
✓ S-Corp election & tax planning
✓ Authorized to represent you before the IRS
✓ Enrolled Agents — pass rigorous IRS exam
✓ 10+ years serving self-employed professionals
arcandledger.com | (310) 876-0249
bookkeeping@arcandledger.com | Culver City, CA

Get Your Price in 30 Seconds

Question 1 of 4

What income did you have in 2025?

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Need to File for Free? The IRS Can Help.

If you earned under $84,000, you may qualify for IRS Free File — free tax preparation software provided through an IRS partnership. No cost, no catch.

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Our free template works alongside any filing method — use it to organize your expenses first, then file however works best for you.

Common Questions

What deductions can real estate investors claim?+
Real estate investors may deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses under IRC Section 162 and Section 212. Commonly claimed deductions include mortgage interest, property taxes, repairs and maintenance, property management fees, insurance, depreciation, travel to properties, and professional services. Whether you report on Schedule C or Schedule E depends on the nature of your activity. Your tax situation may vary, so consult a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.
Do real estate investors use Schedule C or Schedule E?+
Rental income is typically reported on Schedule E (Form 1040). Flipping, wholesaling, and active real estate businesses may use Schedule C. The distinction affects self-employment tax obligations. Our free template is an organizational tool that helps categorize expenses for either form. Consult a qualified tax professional to determine which form applies to your specific situation.
How much tax do self-employed real estate investors pay?+
Tax obligations for real estate investors vary significantly depending on activity type. Rental income on Schedule E is generally not subject to self-employment tax but is subject to income tax. Active real estate businesses on Schedule C may owe self-employment tax (15.3%) in addition to income tax. The self-employment tax applies to net earnings over $400. Consult a qualified tax professional to understand your specific tax obligations.
Do I need to file quarterly estimated taxes as a real estate investor?+
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, the IRS generally requires quarterly estimated tax payments. Deadlines are typically April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Real estate income and large depreciation deductions can make quarterly estimation complex, so tracking expenses year-round is essential.
How does depreciation work for rental property?+
Depreciation allows you to deduct the cost of a rental property over its useful life: 27.5 years for residential property and 39 years for commercial property. Only the building value is depreciable, not the land. Depreciation may significantly reduce taxable income from rental activities. Cost segregation studies may accelerate depreciation on certain components. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Should I hire an Enrolled Agent or do my own taxes?+
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional who has passed a rigorous IRS exam and is authorized to represent taxpayers directly before the IRS. Unlike other preparers, EAs must pass a rigorous exam and complete continuing education annually. For real estate investors with depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and multi-property portfolios, an EA can help ensure compliance and identify all eligible deductions. Arc & Ledger's team of Enrolled Agents specializes in Schedule C businesses.

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