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Message
Will I be able to deduct this on my taxes?
Posted on 12/12/13 at 9:41 am
Posted on 12/12/13 at 9:41 am
I am currently in the National Guard. Since some of my benefits and promotions are based on my weapons qualification, can I buy an AR-15 and deduct that on my taxes. It would be used to sharpen my skills since we don't get to do that during drill. TIA
5
Posted on 12/12/13 at 9:43 am to iwasthere
quote:
Since some of my benefits and promotions are based on my weapons qualification, can I buy an AR-15 and deduct that on my taxes.
I would think not - it is not required to do your job. Obviously, consult your tax professional before basing a decision on tax liability.
Posted on 12/12/13 at 9:49 am to iwasthere
If you deduct it and then get audited, just bring your weapon to the audit session and I'm betting it will persuade the IRS auditor to allow it....
Posted on 12/12/13 at 9:56 am to LSURussian
I would be better off trying to get them to meet me at my house or something. This way I could legally have it ready, lol.
Posted on 12/12/13 at 10:00 am to Ace Midnight
I would think it meets the ordinary and necessary test. Lots of military folks have them and it is necessary for my to do my job. I have searched the internet and all. Most I found were people wanting to deduct for CCW. I guess I will and see what happens.
Posted on 12/12/13 at 10:18 am to iwasthere
quote:
it is necessary for my to do my job.
I guess it depends on your interpretation.
You understand the difference between your buying a weapon to practice that is similar (but not identical) to your issue weapon, but that you will be prohibited from actually using in your job and, say, a State Police officer who is required to have a weapon and has the option to purchase his own, or take an agency-issued weapon, right?
One of those is far, far more likely to be deemed necessary (hint - it's the State Police officer) - however, again, consult your tax professional.
Or, just claim it and wait for the audit. However, is this the way you want to get on FedGov's radar?
Posted on 12/12/13 at 10:33 am to iwasthere
I doubt you can, but props on the creativity. 
Posted on 12/12/13 at 10:36 am to Ace Midnight
quote:
You understand the difference between your buying a weapon to practice that is similar (but not identical) to your issue weapon, but that you will be prohibited from actually using in your job and, say, a State Police officer who is required to have a weapon and has the option to purchase his own, or take an agency-issued weapon, right?
I was able to claim my laptop. This isn't the same as the desk top I am required to use while in my office. I am prohibited from using my laptop at work because it isn't setup to do the bank reports I do.I still do reports on my laptop and get to claim it for business purposes.
Posted on 12/12/13 at 11:10 am to iwasthere
quote:Do you use your laptop exclusively for business purposes at home?
I still do reports on my laptop and get to claim it for business purposes.
I can see if you bought a weapon identical to the one you use for your military duties and use it exclusively for target practice, you would have an argument for deducting it.
But as soon as you use that weapon for hunting, meh, it gets iffy.
Wait for Poodlebrain to answer your question. He is this board's resident tax expert and a CPA.
This post was edited on 12/12/13 at 11:12 am
Posted on 12/12/13 at 11:13 am to iwasthere
quote:
I am prohibited from using my laptop at work because it isn't setup to do the bank reports I do.I still do reports on my laptop and get to claim it for business purposes.
That's actually a good argument - I don't think it is going to work, but it is a good argument. I'm not going to try it, but I'm going to give it more thought.
Posted on 12/12/13 at 1:58 pm to iwasthere
Can you claim a deduction for the expense? Yes. Will the deduction be allowed? It probably won't be challenged, but if challenged it is doubtful. Should you claim the deduction? This is the most important question, and it is the one tax professionals get paid to assist their clients in making. Helping you determine if the value of the deduction is worth the risk of claiming the deduction is why you pay a tax professional.
Posted on 12/13/13 at 5:48 am to LSURussian
quote:
If you deduct it and then get audited, just bring your weapon to the audit session and I'm betting it will persuade the IRS auditor to allow it....
I would love to bring an AR -15 to an IRS audit. Honestly, everyone should bring a firearm to an IRS audit, you have a right to defend yourself against rape.
Posted on 12/13/13 at 7:36 am to Vols&Shaft83
I guess it depends on the audit. I have custody of my oldest son. His mom claimed him for 3 yrs on her taxes. Every year she did this I had to mail my return in with the divorce & custody papers. After the third year, I was audited. It was very easy for me. I just mailed in my supporting documents and a few months later received my money with interest. I never had to show up or anything.
Posted on 12/13/13 at 11:06 pm to iwasthere
It definitely wouldn't be the most far fetched thing I have seen be deducted. Honestly I bet you could pull it off.
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