Can I write off computer and software?

[lccottrell]

I was a freelance writer in 2013 and received a 1099-MISC. Can I write off the computer I bought for the job? What about the antivirus and office software? If so, do these fall under office expenses?

[cberg]

I assume all these purchases must have receipts?

[ValB]

Yes

[tanjaejones]

Where do I deduct my office computer, office camera, office scanner?  In what section of business expenses? Is it Office Expenses or Office Supplies?

[lilhippie1956]

Log book program, antivirus software

[blank-mathu]

I will repeat this unanswered question from a year ago.  "Where do I [In the turbo tax software] deduct my office computer, office camera, office scanner?  In what section of business expenses? Is it Office Expenses or Office Supplies?"  Supplies says less then $200 so that doesn't seem right.  Expenses appears to be the best category, but all the examples are more services then equipment.  The only place I see computers listed is in Rental Expenses, but my computer was purchased by my business, not rented.

[ValB]

Yes, you can deduct these expenses as business expenses...What you do want to take into consideration is the business use percentage--if you use your computer for business only, then take everything 100%, but if you use the same computer for personal and business, then only a potion of your antivirus and computer expense is tax deductible.

[mrronfrazier]

Thank you for answering this question....how do you arrive at the portion we can claim?

[valeval98]

Usually software is an asset and has to be depreciated over 3 yrs. If you pay more like a monthly subscription fee, you can take that as Office Expense deduction.

[marklambertfx]

Would a monthly software subscription fee be added under Other Miscellaneous Expenses?

[ValB]

If it's small it should not matter that much

[marklambertfx]

I have one that is $50/month so $600/year 🙂

[ValB]

Do it as Office Expense

[marklambertfx]

Thanks.

[blizz007]

Hello, I have the same question. I am a freelancer who worked form home. I pay a month fee for design software. I want to claim the fee as an expense, but I don't know where to put it. Supplies? Office Expenses?