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Level 1
June 7, 2019
Question

Where do I deduct computer equipment purchased for my home business?

  • June 7, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 13 views
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2 replies

PatriciaV
Level 15
June 7, 2019

Computer equipment for a self-employed business is reported under Assets/Depreciation.

Beginning this year, the Safe Harbor Election allows you to expense business assets costing $2500 or less that would normally be subject to depreciation.

To expense the cost of business assets purchased for $2500 or less, first go to the Assets/Depreciation section for your business (self-employed, farm, or rental) and answer the questions to make the Safe Harbor Election.

Then go to the Expenses section and add these items under the most appropriate category. If in doubt, you may report these costs as "Other Expenses" (usually the final screen in the Expenses section) using your own description.

If you're reporting a business on Schedule C, go to the Business tab, then Business Expenses, Other Common Business Expenses. To enter your own description, use "Other Miscellaneous Expenses." The entry screen provides several boxes for descriptions and amounts.

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Level 2
February 21, 2022

J am using turbo tax home and business. I am trying to prepare 2021 return. I am still working in my profession, but I also own and manage a rental home. How. would I report computer accessories and accounting software I purchased. The accounting software is exclusively used for tracking the rental income and costs. Computer accessories are used for personal as well as the rental income data management. Where w.r.t. TT Home & Business would I click to be able input the data. I do recognize that I would be able to write off a part of the computer accessories cost as well as the internet cost.

 

Thanks,

Nasr

Level 15
February 21, 2022

When entering expenses for your rental home into TurboTax it will have many categories.  You can list your software as "Accounting Software" and your computer accessories as "Office Expenses" .  Make sure to only expense the percentage that you use for the rent house.

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Level 2
March 21, 2022

Thank you. The answer does help. But ...

The form does not have the categories you mentioned. I suppose I would have to enter those when TT asks me if there were other expenses following inputting the data under the categories listed on previous screens.

Level 15
March 21, 2022

Yes, you'd need to go back through the interview process.  To enter these expenses in TurboTax Online:

  1. If you’re on the Hi TurboTax Client, let's keep working on your taxes! screen, click the Pick up where you left off button

  2. Click Federal in the left pane, if you’re not already there

  3. Click Income & Expenses in the banner

  4. Click Show more to the right of Self-Employment

  5. Click Start to the right of Self-employment income and expenses

  6. Click Yes on the Did you have any self-employment income or expenses? page

  7. Once you’ve input your income data, you’ll come to a page where you can enter your expense data.  For computer accessories and software, select Supplies.

This category includes

  • Computer accessories, like external hard drives, trackpads, mouse, and cords

  • Reference books and guides

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Safety and protective gear, like helmets, gloves, and goggles

Supply expenses are incidental items that usually cost less than $200 and last less than a year.

@Nasr1