Drones and Tax Write Off

[Account Closed]

Hello Everybody, I am not sure if this is the correct forum. However, does anybody know if a drone can be a tax write off? I purchased one so I don't have to climb a ladder and check the condition of the roof and I can take an aerial view and photos of my potential property. Thanks for you help and advice. Chris McFadden

[Bill Gulley]

I'm with Steven, take it, but be prepared to show it is not used for personal use. About the only way I see of dedicating 100% of its use is to buy another drone for personal use, take a picture of both. Put your logo and business name on the business drone. Buy the fuel and/or batteries through the business account. File/save the pictures taken, use a date time stamp on photos if you can, that shows your business use inline with jobs performed. Get a pic of the address and fly directly to the area to inspect and begin inspection. Don't have any pics filed between jobs that are personal. 

The more you can show it's only for business, the better your position. Much like a cell phone. 

My rule of thumb for deductions is; when the item is questionable and the amount will place me in another tax bracket, I'm conservative because if it were disallowed I would owe more in taxes and penalties. If it's not significant in the end, I take it as the effects would be minimal in the end. Auditors take the same approach, is it going to be worth the effort to continue an audit, is there fraud, violations of law.......the hunt has to be worth the benefits of the kill. :)