Which of the following is NOT considered rental income that must be reported on a tax return?

The correct answer reflects an important distinction in tax reporting concerning rental income. Advance rent is included as rental income that must be reported on a tax return because it is considered to be income received in advance for the use of rental property during a future period.

On the other hand, security deposits generally do not need to be reported as income since they are typically meant to cover damages or unpaid rent and are expected to be returned to the tenant. Utilities paid by tenants usually do not count as rental income for the landlord, as they are the tenant's expense. Payments for canceling a lease also do not count as rental income. Instead, they serve as compensation for the lessor's loss of income stemming from the early termination of a lease agreement and are not derived from the rental of the property itself.

Thus, understanding how these types of payments are categorized is crucial for accurate tax reporting. The treatment of advance rent as rental income clarifies what constitutes taxable rental income, which is essential knowledge for property owners navigating tax obligations.