topic I bought a generator, where could I write that off at? in Deductions & credits

I bought a generator, where could I write that off at?

erinejones4723 — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:26:53 GMT

Bought it for a potential disaster, and disaster happened.

Re: I bought a generator, where could I write that off at?

DoninGA — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:33:09 GMT

The purchase of a generator for a personal residence is not deductible on a tax return.

When the home is sold you would include the cost to the Adjusted Purchase Price of the home.

Re: I bought a generator, where could I write that off at?

MindyB — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:37:05 GMT

Generally, you cannot write off a generator to prepare for a disaster, as the IRS considers it a personal expense.

However, if a doctor prescribed the generator so you can run essential medical equipment (like a CPAP or oxygen machine) during a power outage, you can deduct the cost as a medical expense. You would enter this in TurboTax under Medical Expenses, but it only to the extent your medical bills are more than 7.5% of your income.

If you are self-employed and used the generator to keep your home office running during the disaster, you can write off a percentage of the cost based on how much of your home is used for business.

If it is a permanent whole-home generator, you can keep the receipt as an addition to cost basis.