I am the owner (mortgage, not outright) of the house that I and my girlfriend live in. If she pays me rent, I assume I have to count that as income for tax purposes? Would this change if she sent her portion to the lender directly, instead of giving it to me?
I assume not, since the mortgage is a loan in my name, paying it off would be viewed by the IRS as income to me, whether or not she gave the money to me or to the lender directly.
Whereas is I was renting with a lease in my name, if she sent her portion to the landlord directly would that be different? Same with utility payments?
Thanks for any input.