Strange situation with landlord

[shocksyde]

It's entirely possible that I just have no clue about taxes.

Why would my landlord want the payment info for last year for our (4 person condo) electricty, water, and gas? Is she going to try and claim them on her taxes as a deduction or something? That seems not legal to me. I've never had a landlord ask for this information, which is why I'm a little suspicious.

So does she have a legit reason to get this info from me? Also, I didn't take over the utilities until September of last year, so I could only get her 3 months of information.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I can't think of a good reason to ask for it, and I did the taxes for our rental property this year. Only thing I can think of is that they might get some sort of "green" credit if the utilities used falls below a certain amount. Probably not though. *shrug*

 

[BoomerD]

If the landlord does not pay the utilities, he has no legal need for the bills.

He cannot use them as a taxable deduction...which is what it sounds like he wants to do.
drop a dime on him to the IRS...he's probably done this in the past.

 

[waggy]

are you paying electricity, water and gas yourself? or is it part of the rent?

and yes it is very suspicious. i don't see any reason to ask for the items and no i wouldnt give it to her without her having a good reason.

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: waggy
are you paying electricity, water and gas yourself? or is it part of the rent?

and yes it is very suspicious. i don't see any reason to ask for the items and no i wouldnt give it to her without her having a good reason.

Only utility included in rent is cable, we never even see that bill. I'm gonna ask her why she wants it.

 

[BoomerD]

Offer to trade her the utility bills for an equal reduction in rent...

 

[shocksyde]

Her response was "The CPA is asking me about the rental information including the utilities."

 

[sixone]

Originally posted by: shocksyde
Her response was "The CPA is asking me about the rental information including the utilities."

Tell her to have her CPA call the utilities directly. They'll give him/her an average of the last twelve months, without needing to see your bills.

 

[lxskllr]

Is she cool with you? If so, just give her the info. If not, sell it to at 10% of the bills value ;^)

 

[bctbct]

Sounds like the CPA is asking for any utilities she pays and she is confused.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
If the landlord does not pay the utilities, he has no legal need for the bills.

He cannot use them as a taxable deduction...which is what it sounds like he wants to do.
drop a dime on him to the IRS...he's probably done this in the past.

Just to be sure, give him the utility bills and then report him to the IRS. The IRS does give rewards for reporting tax cheats.

Originally posted by: bctbct
Sounds like the CPA is asking for any utilities she pays and she is confused.

Probably

 

[zinfamous]

Originally posted by: bctbct
Sounds like the CPA is asking for any utilities she pays and she is confused.

ding-a-ling ding.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: shocksyde
Her response was "The CPA is asking me about the rental information including the utilities."

Call the IRS and ask them. If they do not know of a reason then your landlord has no basis to request it.

 

[bctbct]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: shocksyde
Her response was "The CPA is asking me about the rental information including the utilities."

Call the IRS and ask them. If they do not know of a reason then your landlord has no basis to request it.

If she did pay the utilities that is deductible...I just think the CPA means to bring copies of bills she has paid.