Camper Interest

[Snaggletooth]

I read in the TTB and in other sources:

A motor home can be considered a "residence" so long as it has cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities. Also, the motor home can be considered a second residence. This discussion involves the deductibility of interest on Schedule A.

This definition of facilities validates incredibly "small" motor homes. Today, a couple claimed that a 12-ft. trailer was a "second home." Their church sends them to rescue areas following disasters such as the Kansas tornado, hurricanes, etc. and they often stay in this tiny camper for a month or so. I have no reason to doubt any of this, everything they tell me is very consistent.

The definition does not require the "motor home" to be separately motorized, i.e. the trailer can be towed by a truck.

From everything I could tell, the $3000 interest on this trailer qualified as deductible interest. Anyone else care to comment?

[taxea]

I would think that the expenses could be allocated for donation purposes for the periods of time that they are engaged in this activity. In which case they could include other appropriate expenses into the donation.taxea

[Snaggletooth]

Schedule A interest

Taxea, thanks for your response. The question involved the deductibility of camper interest as a second residence on Schedule A, and not additional expenses which may be considered for contributions.

I've got a bad habit of presenting too much information with my questions, such that the original topic becomes obscured.

I guess the problem I'm trying to address is that millions of people have "small" campers and use them for an occasional day in the mountains, not buying these things to use as a second home. But I see nothing in the rules to prevent them from claiming a second residence and deducting the interest they pay, so long as they contain the three living conditions.

[BHoffman]

Sure. Why snub the cozy camper if it qualifies?

[oceanlovin'ea]

economy

The way the economy is going - a 12' trailer might be someone's principal residence in the near future.

Linda

[jimmcg]

I read in the TTB and in other sources:

A motor home can be considered a "residence" so long as it has cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities. Also, the motor home can be considered a second residence. This discussion involves the deductibility of interest on Schedule A.

This definition of facilities validates incredibly "small" motor homes. Today, a couple claimed that a 12-ft. trailer was a "second home." Their church sends them to rescue areas following disasters such as the Kansas tornado, hurricanes, etc. and they often stay in this tiny camper for a month or so. I have no reason to doubt any of this, everything they tell me is very consistent.

The definition does not require the "motor home" to be separately motorized, i.e. the trailer can be towed by a truck.

From everything I could tell, the $3000 interest on this trailer qualified as deductible interest. Anyone else care to comment?

Snag, if it meets the defintion of the Code and Regs it meets the defintion. Could be the size of an orange crate.

[Earl]

camper interest

I don't know why, if you can claim a boat as a second residence, why there would be a problem with claiming a trailer in the same way as long as both have cooking, sleeping and toilet facilities.

[Davc]

I would think that the expenses could be allocated for donation purposes for the periods of time that they are engaged in this activity. In which case they could include other appropriate expenses into the donation.taxea

The only expenses for the use of property or equipment for charitable purposes that are deductible are direct costs. Interest, routine maintenance, repairs, depreciation, and similar costs are not allowed.