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New Member
posted Dec 10, 2021 10:38:43 AM

My wife plays piano for several churches, if we get a new piano can we deducted some or all of it from our taxes?

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7 Replies
Level 15
Dec 10, 2021 10:42:11 AM

Does she receive paid compensation for playing the piano at these churches?

New Member
Dec 10, 2021 10:47:32 AM

Yes, she is compensated at both churches 

New Member
Dec 10, 2021 11:21:13 AM

Yes

Level 15
Dec 10, 2021 11:43:27 AM

If she receives $400 or more during the year in compensation then she is self-employed and must file a Schedule C with your personal tax return.

Any items she buys for use by the business can be entered as an expense.  However, if the item can be used for both personal use and business use then only the percentage of business use can be deducted from the self-employment income.

IRS website for self-employed individuals - https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

New Member
Dec 10, 2021 12:04:34 PM

Thank you!  I now need to ask the question slightly different as my wife corrected me.  She is actually employed by both churches.  Does that change the deduction process?

Level 15
Dec 10, 2021 12:06:44 PM

if she gets w-2's (ie she's an employee) - the cost of the piano neither in whole or in part is deductible

New Member
Dec 10, 2021 12:30:51 PM

Thank you for your information!