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Level 1
March 14, 2020
Question

Software deduction on personal return

  • March 14, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 7 views

I purchased QB accounting software last year.  I do bookkeeping for a few small companies.  I am using Turbo tax for my 2019 taxes.  Can I deduct the purchase of the QB accounting software?  If so, where in Turbo Tax do I make that deduction?  Under Business Expenses, I do not know where to add this cost?  

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

    1 reply

    GiseleD
    Level 14
    March 14, 2020

    If you did bookkeeping as a self-employed activity, you can report it as an Office Expense or an Other Expense under the self-employment section. To enter self-employment income and expenses, follow these steps:

     

    1) Once in your return, click Federal (left-hand menu bar)

    2) Click Income & Expenses at the top. 

    3) Look for Self-employment income and expenses.

    • You may have to expand the choices in the Income & Expenses section to get this subsection to appear. 

    4) Click Start when you find this section, and follow the guided interview. 

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    Critter
    Level 15
    March 14, 2020

     

    If you are new to being self employed, are not incorporated or in a partnership  and  are acting as your own bookkeeper and tax preparer you need to get educated ....  

    If you have net self employment income of $400 or more you have to file a schedule C in your personal 1040 return for self employment business income. You may get a 1099-Misc for some of your income but you need to report all your income.  So you need to keep your own good records. Here is some reading material……

    IRS information on Self Employment….
    http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Self-Employed-Individuals-Tax-Center 

    Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business
    http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p334.pdf 

    Publication 535 Business Expenses
    http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p535.pdf 

     

    Home Office Expenses … Business Use of the Home

    https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/home-office-deduction

    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p587.pdf

     

    Publication 946 … Depreciation

    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p946.pdf