Where to enter car loan interest?

[JulieH1 · Accepted solution]

You cannot deduct a personal car loan or it's interest.

While typically, deducting car loan interest is not allowed there is one exception to this rule. If you use your car for business purposes you may be allowed to partially deduct car loan interest as a business expense.

If you use your car for business purposes, you may be able to deduct actual vehicle expenses. But you will need to keep accurate records of your business expenses to show proper use of the vehicle. Actual vehicle expenses that may be deducted, when used for business, may include but is not limited to:

Automobile loan interest
Vehicle maintenance
Insurance
Tolls and parking fees
Gasoline
Oil Change

To determine the amount of each actual vehicle expense that may qualify for a tax deduction you will need to calculate the percent of time that the vehicle is used for business. Typically, this calculation is determined by the number of miles driven for business purposes only.

You will have to determine if it is more beneficial to you to use the standard mileage rate deduction or actual vehicle expense deduction. You cannot use both methods.

If this is a business you will enter the vehicle expenses on Schedule C for your business.  You can type "Schedule C" in the search bar and then choose what you work on and go to Business expenses.

[Kb20]

Return tax for car loan 

[jehangt3]

you can enter the monthly loan payments made on your car if you itemize business deductions. if you select standard deductions you don't have to enter any loan or interest amounts.

[JamesG1]

Interest on vehicle loans is not deductible in and of itself.

However, if the vehicle was used for a business purpose, you may be able to deduct some or all of the cost against your self-employment income.  You would also have to claim actual vehicle expenses rather than the standard mileage rate for your vehicle expenses.

Follow these directions: 

• Down the left side, click Federal.
• Click on Income & Expenses.
• Under Your income, click on Edit/Add to the right of Self-employment income.
• Click on Edit to the right of the business name.
• To the right of the Vehicle expenses, click Edit.
• To the right of the vehicle, click Edit.
• At the page Based on the miles you drove…., choose I’ll enter my actual expenses….
• Follow through the screens and determine whether actual vehicle expense or the standard mileage rate is a better option for your tax return.

See this help.

[Sheba2]

this is for my business

[VictoriaD75]

 Follow these steps:

• From the Federal menu, click on Income & Expenses
• Expand the menu for Self-Employment
• Click Start/Revisit next to Self-employment income & expenses
• Edit next to the business or Add the business if needed
• Enter the Vehicle information under expenses
• Continue entering the requested info through the screens until you come to the following screen

Business Use of Vehicles

Maximizing Tax Deductions for the Business Use of Your Car

Standard Mileage vs Actual Expenses