Is a laptop tax deductible ?

[michaelg]

I work as a self-employed professional musician (except during covid).

Can I buy a laptop and claim it back as a tax relief ? I use a laptop for learning music/setlists/emails/education/invoices. my old one is on its last legs.

And if so would I claim it under capital allowances like my Van ?

Thanks

 

[Autofill]

Yes you’d claim capital allowances on it 12.5% per annum for 8 years.

 

[michaelg]

Thanks.
Laptops don't always last 8 years though. What if it breaks down after 3 or 4 years ?

 

[Bronte]

Thanks.
Laptops don't always last 8 years though. What if it breaks down after 3 or 4 years ?

As a landlord if this happens you write down the balance in that year.

 

[Bronte]

Just had a brainwave, I bought a laptop two weeks ago, can I deduct that on my landlord returns. I do everthing as regards rentals via the computer.

 

[Gordon Gekko]

Just had a brainwave, I bought a laptop two weeks ago, can I deduct that on my landlord returns. I do everthing as regards rentals via the computer.

Nope. I drive to my investment property but Revenue refuse to allow me to deduct the cost of my car from the rental income.

 

[Bronte]

Nope. I drive to my investment property but Revenue refuse to allow me to deduct the cost of my car from the rental income.

Are you allowed charge for petrol?

 

[Gordon Gekko]

Are you allowed charge for petrol?

No!

 

[Bronte]

No!

On what basis is it not allowed?

 

[Gordon Gekko]

On what basis is it not allowed?

Not covered by Section 97 TCA 1997 I guess.

But in all seriousness, if the journey is solely for that reason, why not?

 

[Bronte]

Not covered by Section 97 TCA 1997 I guess.

But in all seriousness, if the journey is solely for that reason, why not?

Totally agree, in my case it cost a lot more, totally justified, but I was advised not to try it.

 

[Baby boomer]

Ok, so you can't claim travel expenses as a landlord (unfair, but that's the law) but what's the story with the laptop?

 

[Gordon Gekko]

Ok, so you can't claim travel expenses as a landlord (unfair, but that's the law) but what's the story with the laptop?

I wouldn’t have thought so on the basis that it is not wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the rental income stream.

 

[Baby boomer]

I'd expect very few laptops are used EXCLUSIVELY for the purposes of any given business activity!!