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Things You Can't Deduct

While the IRS allows entrepreneurs to deduct a number of business expenses, for better or worse some expenses simply aren't deductible. The list below covers a handful deductions that generally will not be allowed, however, this page is not an all inclusive list. Refer to our detailed deduction pages, your tax advisor and to the IRS to find out if your specific expenses can be deducted.

UBER DRIVER / RIDESHARE

Mercedes is an Uber driver who regularly speeds while in route to pick up her next customers. Last year she received three moving citations totaling $900. Mercedes assumed that since she received the tickets while working, the tickets would be deductible on her Schedule C. Unfortunately for Mercedes, the $900 of fines will not be deductible since she received the citations because she broke the law.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Number Cruncher, CPA is a sole proprietor accountant who has a client running for political office. Number Cruncher contributed $10,000 to his client's campaign, since her election would give him the ability to directly influence tax policy, which would almost certainly result in more business for him. While Mr. Cruncher is allowed to contribute to whatever political campaigns he chooses, he is not allowed to deduct the $10,000 contribution on his Schedule C even though the expenditure could be considered a legitimate business expense.

LANDLORD

Paula is landlord with a rental property in Miami, Florida. Last year Paula wanted to make some renovations to her rental property, however, she quickly found the permitting process to be daunting. Paula paid a city official $500 to quickly move her permit requests through the system. Even though this expense is related to her rental activities, since it is an illegal bribe it cannot be deducted when Paula prepares her Schedule E.

AUTHOR / SPEAKER

Aurora is a public speaker who recently traveled to Barbados with her husband to celebrate her 5th wedding anniversary. While on vacation she brought along her laptop and spent a few hours working on an upcoming presentation. Aurora would like to deduct her trip as a business expense since she worked some while away. When Aurora mentioned this idea to her accountant, he informed her that the IRS would not allow her to deduct her Barbados trip since she took the trip primarily for personal purposes.

AIRBNB HOST

Queen owns a second property that she rented through Airbnb last year on a full time basis. This year, she let her oldest son, a college student, stay in the home for free while attending school. During the year, Queen incurred $5,000 of repair and maintenance expenses on the home. Even though she previously rented the property, she would not be able to deduct any of the $5,000 of repairs since the house was used for personal purposes during the year.

THINGS YOU CAN'T DEDUCT ON YOUR TAXES

  • You cannot deduct bribes, kickbacks or other illegal expenses. Additionally, fines and penalties you pay to a governmental agency because you broke the law cannot be deducted.
  • Generally, you cannot deduct any lobbying expenses, contributions made to political parties or campaigns, and certain indirect costs associated with taking part in political activities.
  • You cannot deduct personal expenses on your business tax return. This includes but is not limited to meals, travel, entertainment and most repairs to personal property.
  • You cannot deduct costs that should be capitalized including but not limited to repairs and maintenance that increase the value or useful life of your property, certain software and web development costs and business assets such as cars, equipment and machinery (unless Section 179 applies).
  • In addition to expenses you simply cannot deduct, be on the look out for deductions with certain limitations such as charitable contributions, business meals and entertainment and business gifts.

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