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kmendrala2000
New Member

I am straight commission and self employed. A company I did work for didn't pay me... can I take that amount as a loss? it was never income that actually came in...

Since this company never actually paid me, and the only place to put in a loss is as returns, refunds, etc.  Can I take this as a loss under Business Income and Expenses?

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MinhT
Expert Alumni

I am straight commission and self employed. A company I did work for didn't pay me... can I take that amount as a loss? it was never income that actually came in...

You cannot claim the unpaid commission as a business expense or deduction.

As you did not receive the unpaid commission, you do not report it as income and do not pay tax on it. This is the reason why you cannot claim it as a deduction or a loss.

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4 Replies
MinhT
Expert Alumni

I am straight commission and self employed. A company I did work for didn't pay me... can I take that amount as a loss? it was never income that actually came in...

You cannot claim the unpaid commission as a business expense or deduction.

As you did not receive the unpaid commission, you do not report it as income and do not pay tax on it. This is the reason why you cannot claim it as a deduction or a loss.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
kmendrala2000
New Member

I am straight commission and self employed. A company I did work for didn't pay me... can I take that amount as a loss? it was never income that actually came in...

First this says I can claim it and then it says I cannot claim it...
MinhT
Expert Alumni

I am straight commission and self employed. A company I did work for didn't pay me... can I take that amount as a loss? it was never income that actually came in...

Sorry it was a typo error. You cannot claim the unpaid commission.
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**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
kolschesky1
New Member

I am straight commission and self employed. A company I did work for didn't pay me... can I take that amount as a loss? it was never income that actually came in...

If you are a cash basis taxpayer you cannot take a loss. However, you should deduct all business expenses that you incurred with respect to this job.

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