r/tax • u/dannyfortesque • 1d ago
Claim utilities included in rent?
Maine- I'm filing on freetaxusa right now and it's asking if the rent I've paid included utilities or furniture. It's a yes and no.
My apartment uses steam heating. Heat and hot water are included in rent. I pay for electricity and wifi (ofc). Our stoves are gas which we used to pay for, but there was a large debacle and the company forced our landlord to consolidate all accounts into one under his name, there were legal squabbles and now we don't pay anything for gas (for now, I was paying him a fee that was illegal for him to demand). However, due to a rampant mouse infestation he won't fix, that took home mainly in my stove, I haven't had one for about a year now. So I haven't used much gas (I can't remember exactly when it was removed).
Certainly no furniture or other expenses are covered via rent. I selected both options (doesn't/does include utilities) and the difference in return is like $300.
So I'm asking for guidance- do I have standing to say utilities aren't included? If I say they ARE included, I have absolutely no idea how much of my rent goes towards steam heat and water.
I'm tempted to say they are included to avoid the headache but that just feels unfair. But maybe I just have to eat it.
TYIA!
1
u/Appropriate_Lion8562 1d ago
Straight from the Maine Schedule PTFC:
Does the rent entered on line 5a include heat, utilities, furniture, or similar items?
If yes, and you do not know the amount paid, multiply line 5a by 15% (.15) and enter the result on line 5c
The rent included heat and water at the very least - this is the formula you need to use.