Is a camera a write off?

[Michael McCarthy]

I bought a camera a couple months before my first property that cost about $1k. I used it to rent out my duplex I just got and the camera was a huge help. The previous owner even told me he saw the picture of the kitchen online and said what a nice apartment. It took a minute for him realize it was the apartment he just sold. Any thoughts?

[Natalie Kolodij]

@Michael McCarthy

Hi Michael, I think the issue with deducting the camera is that you bought it before you were in business. 

You didn't own rentals yet. It wasn't a cost needed to acquire the rental, so....there's really no basis for deducting it. 

Had you bought it after you owned 1+ rentals- I'd say it could possibly be deducted. In this case thought you literally didn't know you'd own a rental when you bought it. It can't be a business expense before you had the item that created your business.  (if that makes sense haha)