Write off watch on taxes?

[tl01]

Has anyone written off their watch as a business expense? For example, I own a company and have to answer all phone calls that come in even when we are closed and the watch means I am less likely to miss the calls that come in.

No flames....just curious.

 

[jav6454]

You won't be able to... unless you can claim it's business critical and even then... they'll just say it falls under accesories category.

 

[44267547]

Has anyone written off their watch as a business expense? For example, I own a company and have to answer all phone calls that come in even when we are closed and the watch means I am less likely to miss the calls that come in.

No flames....just curious.

I don't believe so. In a sense, wouldn't you have to prove that the Apple Watch served as a 'work purpose' or have some sort type of documentation supporting that? I personally think an Apple Watch would be a little bit more difficult to write off, unless perhaps you specifically work in the medical field using the device for some sort of type of testing and analyzing, which I'm guessing you do not.

 

[Newtons Apple]

My company pays for all of our iPhones but have not charged the AW to the company. You might get by with it but for the cost, it is not worth it to me.

 

[tl01]

I don't believe so. In a sense, wouldn't you have to prove that the Apple Watch served as a 'work purpose' or have some sort type of documentation supporting that? I personally think an Apple Watch would be a little bit more difficult to write off, unless perhaps you specifically work in the medical field using the device for some sort of type of testing and analyzing, which I'm guessing you do not.

I actually googled it after I posted... not sure why I didn't before, and the consensus is that you can write it off along with phone, headset etc.....especially if you are the owner of a business. Like I said, I am required to answer all our after hours calls, and my Apple Watch helps make sure I don't miss those calls.... so it is fairly important. Can it be done without, sure... but that doesn't seem to the be the test.

 

[1rottenapple]

Ok I use my phone for work purposes? Like looking up medication prescription names, etc. can I write it off? Lol

 

[Vermifuge]

I write off all my phones, accessories, and services including the Apple Watch. However I am a business owner and I can prove it is business critical as my profession is a Quality Assurance Engineer that focuses on web development and mobile application testing.

 

[44267547]

I actually googled it after I posted... not sure why I didn't before, and the consensus is that you can write it off along with phone, headset etc.....especially if you are the owner of a business. Like I said, I am required to answer all our after hours calls, and my Apple Watch helps make sure I don't miss those calls.... so it is fairly important. Can it be done without, sure... but that doesn't seem to the be the test.

You Don't need to justify your reasoning to me, I simply posted based on you likely wouldn't be able to unless the provisions are met based off variable work conditions or how you file, which if the IRS has an issue with, they will reject what they are questioning.

I have written off purchases that were government related in the past, but I had to have documentation showing otherwise what they were being used for 'Business critical'. But that's just my experience.

 

[ftaok]

I'm no tax expert (so maybe I should just shut up), but as a business owner, shouldn't you just have the business buy you the Apple Watch and have the business write it off on the business tax return?

If you're doing it as an individual, I think "unreimbursed business expenses" don't kick in until you pass 2.5% of your AGI. Unless you have lots of UBE's, it would probably be better to have the business take the deduction.

Or I could be full of crap on this one ... :shrug:

 

[jav6454]

I write off all my phones, accessories, and services including the Apple Watch. However I am a business owner and I can prove it is business critical as my profession is a Quality Assurance Engineer that focuses on web development and mobile application testing.

This makes sense that the government would accept the write off.

 

[tl01]

I'm no tax expert (so maybe I should just shut up), but as a business owner, shouldn't you just have the business buy you the Apple Watch and have the business write it off on the business tax return?

If you're doing it as an individual, I think "unreimbursed business expenses" don't kick in until you pass 2.5% of your AGI. Unless you have lots of UBE's, it would probably be better to have the business take the deduction.

Or I could be full of crap on this one ... :shrug:

I plan to do it under my business tax return.

 

[bobbyclobber49]

I am a small business owner. It purchases all my IT equipment as it is all used in some degree for business work. This includes my AW. It improves my ability to monitor my emails, etc, improving my response times and competitiveness. I see this as being no different than any other bit of office equipment such as my chair.

 

[cardfan]

Has anyone written off their watch as a business expense? For example, I own a company and have to answer all phone calls that come in even when we are closed and the watch means I am less likely to miss the calls that come in.

No flames....just curious.

I'm a CPA. Write it off and don't worry about it. I got an apple watch day one for that specific purpose..not to miss calls or texts. The more important thing, as someone alluded to, is to keep business separate from personal. Use your business CC or checking to make the purchases.

 

[mikecwest]

I actually googled it after I posted... not sure why I didn't before, and the consensus is that you can write it off along with phone, headset etc.....especially if you are the owner of a business. Like I said, I am required to answer all our after hours calls, and my Apple Watch helps make sure I don't miss those calls.... so it is fairly important. Can it be done without, sure... but that doesn't seem to the be the test.

Yeah, you can go without it, but a mechanic can just a pair of pliers instead of buying a set of crescent wrenches as well. I am sure the mechanic chooses the crescent wrenches. There are options on your personal tax return to write off equipment used for your job. I did it with my MacBook Pro seven years ago, and plan to do it with my next MacBook Pro ( once this one is dead.) I normally have to get a new camcorder every other year as well. I don’t think claiming your Apple Watch will be an issue, unless you are one of thos people that claim the maximum of everything without needing a receipt ( like phantom charity donations.)

 

[kohlson]

Just my 2c - you can write off anything you want. Whether the IRS accepts it or not is another matter. Tax preparation professionals provide guidance here, but their advice can vary widely. I've always followed the advice my my CPA, because he - not me - will sit down with the IRS if there are any questions. Also, you didn't mention if this is a Hermes Edition, or a refurb 38mm Sport Watch.

 

[BigMcGuire]

People writing stuff off has always been a hot topic from what I could tell. I've seen someone say to a certified CPA's face that he was wrong and he could write X Y Z off and proceeded to do so and has for years. Though I imagine if they got audited they'd be singing a different tune.

That said, this watch has definitely helped me receive calls that I would otherwise miss because I leave my phone on silent all the time.