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The Daily Insight

Can a laptop be a tax write off?

Author

James Williams

Published Feb 10, 2026

Computers you purchase to use in your business or on the job are a deductible business expense. If fact, you may be able to deduct the entire cost in a single year.

What expense category is a laptop?

what category of business expense should it be listed under? If the laptop computer is used for business at least 50% of the time, then yes, you can deduct it as a business expense.

Can you write off a laptop for school on your taxes?

Yes, but only if you’re required to buy it for class (for example if you’re enrolled in an online-only course). If you bought a school computer out of convenience (in other words, you could complete the class without it), you cannot deduct it.

Can I expense a laptop?

Yes, you can deduct ONLY the business portion or percentage of using the laptop. If you use the computer in your business more than 50% of the time, you can deduct the entire cost under a provision of the tax law called Section 179. If your computer cost $1,000 you could only depreciate $400.

Can I buy a laptop as a business expense?

Capital expenditure generally includes anything that you purchase and own to help you earn profits in your business, so laptops will fit into this category. If you are a self-employed sole-trader rather than working for a limited company, you can still get tax relief on your business assets, such as laptops.

How do I write off my laptop for school?

You can deduct the cost of a laptop that you need to complete your coursework. But if you’re using the Lifetime Learning Credit, you have to provide documentation that you purchased it from the college that you are attending, and that the college required it.

Can you write off software on a laptop?

You can also write off software purchases, provided the programs are off the shelf and available to the general public. If the laptop is also your personal computer, you must use it at least 50 percent for business to take Section 179. If, say, you use the laptop 80 percent for business, you can deduct 80 percent of the cost.

Can a business deduct the cost of a laptop?

For example, if you use your computer 60% of the time for business and 40% of the time for personal use , you can deduct only 60% of the cost. If your computer cost $1,000 you could only deduct $600.

Can a freelance writer write off a computer?

I was a freelance writer in 2013 and received a 1099-MISC. Can I write off the computer I bought for the job? What about the antivirus and office software? If so, do these fall under office expenses? May 31, 2019 4:46 PM Can I write off computer and software? I assume all these purchases must have receipts? May 31, 2019 4:46 PM

Can you depreciate a laptop if you are an employee?

If you use the computer only partly for work, you take depreciation only on the work percentage. If you’re an employee, you can deduct depreciation if your employer requires you to use a laptop for work. You can also write off depreciation if you use the computer to “produce income” — investing online, say — in the IRS’ words.