Are our personal computer and piano considered tax deductions if related to job?
February 28th, 2010My husband is a software trainer for a major computer company. He wouldn’t be knowledgeable enough in his job if he didn’t own and use a computer and that software.
I’m a professional musician, so therefore I need to own a piano in order to practice on if I expect to perform my job.
Therefore, are the computer and piano related expenses tax deductible as non-reimbursed work expenses, or something of the like?
Replys
A professional musician can deduct the cost of owning and maintaining an instrument, even though pianists typically do not transport or play their personal instruments on their engagements.
Just owning a computer to be knowledgeable enough for his job would not qualify your husband for a deduction, as being knowledgeable is a basic requirement for his job. However the cost of any specific software he has to purchase, repairs and upkeep on his computer, internet access, or a new computer if it’s used primarily for business could be deducted as un-reimbursed employee expenses on Form 2106, if his employer does not provide these items.
You will need to provide more information to determine if there is a potential deduction. What is the business use? Is there a personal use? For example, is the piano used at concerts? Is the computer brought to clients to demonstrate the product?
If they have a business use, the depreciation expense will either be unreimbursed expenses that can be deducted on schedule A (likely little benefit) if you are an employee or schedule C if this relates to a business
You can write anything off i guess. Like a car as a work expense because you use it to drive to work.
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