Carl
Level 15

Deductions & credits

For what kind of business did you purchase this software? A single member LLC? Multi-member LLC? S-Corp? C-Corp? Partnership? Something else?

If you are a W-2 employee of the business and purchased the software with your own personal funds for use in  your W-2 job, then not a penny is deductible anywhere on the tax return. Effective starting in 2018, W-2 job related expenses (all of them) are no longer deductible.

If the software was purchased for a business that you own, then it's listed/claimed/reported in the Businses Assets section of whatever kind of tax return the business is required to complete. (Sch C? 1120? 1120-S? 1065?)

When entering it as an asset, you'll select "computers...." on the first screen, then "computer software" on the next screen and just continue working it through.  Software is depreciated over 3 years. However, if it qualifies (based on the cost) you can take the SEC179 deduction or special depreciation allowance. If it qualifies, the program will give you those other options and you can select what you want.

The yearly support fee is a maintenance cost and will be entered as such in the Business Expenses section in the "repairs and maintenance" section, or as a Miscellaneous Expense - whichever you prefer.