Look, I made a mistake.
I thought listing the Batcave on Airbnb would be an easy way to make extra cash. Turns out, the IRS saw it as an easy way to make extra cash too—off me.
Apparently, there are rules about renting out your underground, high-tech, crime-fighting lair, and now I’m stuck dealing with tax consequences I never saw coming.
Why I Even Did This in the First Place
Wayne Enterprises is fine. My personal finances? Also fine. But Alfred kept reminding me that “even a billionaire should think about financial efficiency” (translation: stop blowing money on Batmobiles).
So I figured: Why not rent out the Batcave when I’m not using it? People love “unique experiences,” and tech bros will pay absurd amounts of money for a “Luxury Hidden Cave Stay.”
I charged $50,000 per night (non-negotiable) and marketed it as:
“The Ultimate Gotham Experience – Exclusive Underground Hideout with Cutting-Edge Technology & Optional Helicopter Arrival.”
Big mistake. Huge.
The IRS Was Watching
After a few questionable guests (one influencer tried to steal a Batarang, another “accidentally” found the Batcomputer), I shut it down. I figured that was the end of it.
Then I got a letter from the IRS.
Turns out, renting out the Batcave has serious tax consequences.
How the IRS Destroyed My Side Hustle
1. The “14-Day Rule” Screwed Me Over
There’s this rule that says if you rent out your property for 14 days or less per year, you don’t have to report the income. It’s tax-free. Sounds great, right?
Except… I rented it out for 15 days.
That one extra day? Now I have to report ALL of it as taxable income.
2. The IRS Calls the Batcave a “Business” Now
If you regularly rent out your property, the IRS treats it like a business, meaning:
✔ I have to file Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business)
✔ I have to pay self-employment tax (which, let me tell you, is insulting)
✔ The Batcave is now classified as “rental real estate” (somehow worse than being classified as a vigilante).
3. Depreciation & Deductions Are a Headache
On the bright side, I can deduct some expenses:
✔ Utilities (keeping the cave’s lighting system running)
✔ Cleaning Services (Alfred insisted we hire professionals after someone left pizza in the Batmobile)
✔ Security Upgrades (because someone tried to bypass the Batcomputer firewall)
But the IRS won’t let me deduct:
❌ Batsuit dry cleaning (why not? I use it to work!)
❌ Grappling hook maintenance (essential travel equipment)
❌ Batmobile fuel costs (business use, obviously)
Lessons Learned (The Hard Way)
✔ Stick to 14 days or less if you want tax-free rental income.
✔ If you rent out property regularly, congratulations—you now run a business.
✔ The IRS doesn’t let you deduct “crime-fighting equipment” as a business expense.
Final Verdict: Never Again
The Batcave is off Airbnb permanently. Between annoying guests, property damage, and the IRS treating me like a landlord, it’s not worth the hassle.
I’d rather fight the Joker twice than deal with another tax audit.