topic Should I expense or depreciate a tool that was purchased and used for repair (let's say a drill)? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Should I expense or depreciate a tool that was purchased and used for repair (let's say a drill)?

daweigedavid — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:07:09 GMT

I have a multiple rental properties, and if I purchase a battery power drill ($50) and use it to repair and maintain multiple rental properties, is this drill an expense or should a depreciate it over multiple years? Does the de minimis safe harbor applies to this situation?

And since I used it on multiple properties, what should I do about it?

Since I do a lot of repair myself I purchased a lot of tools, such as screwdriver, multimeter, lawn mower, saw, etc each cost less than $2,500.

Re: Should I expense or depreciate a tool that was purchased and used for repair (let's say a drill)?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:42:42 GMT

You can expense (deduct in their entirety) such low-cost items provided they are used 100% for use in your rentals.

Re: Should I expense or depreciate a tool that was purchased and used for repair (let's say a drill)?

daweigedavid — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:24:35 GMT

Thank you @Anonymous_. It is great that I can expense it. Is it because of the de minimis safe harbor election?

Thanks!

Re: Should I expense or depreciate a tool that was purchased and used for repair (let's say a drill)?

Anonymous_ — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:30:41 GMT

See https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tangible-property-final-regulations

Generally, materials and supplies, etc., costing $200 or less (formerly $100), could always be expensed as an administrative convenience if used for business purposes.

Re: Should I expense or depreciate a tool that was purchased and used for repair (let's say a drill)?

daweigedavid — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:56:43 GMT

Awesome. Thank you so much!