I was on a W2 project where my client provided me a laptop with a 13" screen, which is useless for developing process maps and other related types of documentation. I asked my former client where I should purchase an external monitor and they told me. After I purchased it - fully expecting them to pay for it - I then asked my director on two separate times where I needed to send the receipt for reimbursement because, for every W2 consulting project I've ever worked on, clients have always provided equipment for their W2 consultants. I got nothing but crickets. I got the message.
I shouldn't have forked out the money for it, but I did because the time constraints were crazy and I needed to get up and running. I used the monitor for that project for the length of the project, from 4/10/22 to 1/31/23, or thereabouts. Now it's just sitting around gathering dust. I have no idea how to treat it tax-wise. I thought I could write off its cost, but I'm not so sure now after reading about converting a work asset to a personal asset. I could use it personally, but my personal laptop screen is plenty big enough (for now) for me to use without needing to use that monitor.
I know computers and related equipment have an accelerated depreciation schedule because technology changes so fast, but I don't know if I can write off the whole $240+ I spent or if I should just eat the cost. And by the way, I haven't itemized in years, since I owned a home; I usually take the standard deduction now because my taxes are pretty simple.f.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
