Guns as tax write off

[Exospeed]

You could try to add it in under "home improvement/repair", but I don't think it would hold up in the given chance you were audited...
The argument could be made that it improved the home by adding security, but like I said, I don't think they will buy it.

[The Gleam]

I am a CPA who works really late nights during tax season, and I have been accosted by residentially displaced persons in my office parking lot. And... I wouldn't even try to deduct a gun on my own tax return.

If a person worked in any field where a firearm was akin to business personal property as part of the work/job, and was solely used for that purpose, one could very easily deduct the value of the firearm put to use, its upkeep and cost of accessories, even ammo used in training, pending depreciation of the value of that firearm is taken into consideration. As a freelancer, on a schedule C; for other types of business, general deductions - no different than a professional photographer deducting the expense/value combined with year over year depreciation of his cameras.

There are percentages to which one must adhere, and amortization of the above, but it would be allowed if the work generating the income is dependent on use of a firearm, and likely you were bonded/licensed/officiated as to whatever that occupation may be specifically for carrying a firearm.

I specifically know a social-worker that worked a route high in the Appalachians, and spanning down to the Catskills that carried a firearm for his work, due to visiting some of the most remote, removed, and rural hill-billies this country had ever seen, often getting a shotgun leveled head-high with threats to get off their property, even though he was most always there to deliver them some kind of assistance check.

He deducted the value of his Colt Government (ironically) and it stuck - for more than a decade, year after year.

Now can any Joe Blow do that? No, not even if you think you need it as part of your job or atmosphere. Everything is relative.

[The Gleam]

As others stated, you should talk to a professional tax adviser. There isn't a one size fits all answer.

Essentially my thoughts.

[Mitch]

Guns are an ordinary and necessary expense for my business.

[AceGirlsHusband]

or you operate a business that deals in large amounts of valuables (ie cash, jewelry, precious metals)

I think if you were issued a CCW based on that need, there would be the basis for your tax deduction.

[e90bmw]

Some things just aren't worth the risk of an audit.... Just say'n.
Say you spend $1k on a gun. The most you will get as a deduction is about $300 federal and state. It will be less if you are subject to AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax).

Now the question....
If someone gave you $300 would you like to be audited???? Not me.
I'll forego legit deductions if they raise an audit flag. I just don't need the headache.

If you had ever been through an audit, you would understand.

[OlderThanDirt]

We have written off a wide variety of items that at first glance would look a little odd, including firearms, fishing and scuba gear. These were purchased for a specific project that involved specimen collection in Alaska to check for the bioaccumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons. We couldn't have employees fishing for salmon without some sort of bear protection. And yes, you have to depreciate much of the equipment as well as pay use and property taxes. And no, you cannot eat anything caught on a scientific collection permit, but it beats sitting in the office all day.

[Maltese Falcon]

You prolly need a rifle with embedded solar panels? Good for 30%!

.

[3006]

Seams like every business should a have armed security team So any weapons and ammo used for training right?
The IRS needs weapons and ammo even the social security department need them!

[71MUSTY]

A business can only take ordinary and necessary expenses as tax deductions. What is ordinary and necessary depends on the business and industry. It would be ordinary and necessary for an armed security company to provide weapons for their use in the business. It would not be considered ordinary or necessary to provide weapons to a McDonald's cashier.

As others stated, you should talk to a professional tax adviser. There isn't a one size fits all answer.

BINGO