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New Member
posted Jan 29, 2026 5:23:45 PM

can i write off buying cattle

0 1 104
1 Replies
Employee Tax Expert
Feb 1, 2026 7:39:49 AM

Possibly, if you're in a business or a farm that uses them for business purposes, like:

  • Selling beef
  • Selling dairy products

The deduction can be taken

  • In the year of sale or slaughter (for resale/feeder cattle) 
  • Or through depreciation (for breeding/dairy cattle). 

Please see the post by @ValerieE

Also see the IRS Fact sheet Reporting Farm Income and Expenses