Claiming my computer as a deduction?

[chris_1288]

I have only ever sold two items via eBay (and they were for about $20 each) but I am wondering if it is possible to claim my iMac that I purcahsed last year as a tax expense? I am a full time student, but can't claim it as an education expense because I am yet to start working in my field. 

I know the chances are slim, but I'll take the deductions where I can! 

Any help would be appreciated. 

[lyndal1838]

You could only claim the percentage of use that you use for ebay.  I would not think that the sale of 2 items would be enough to give you a viable deduction if you use your computer for study purposes....but you can claim postage costs etc connected with the sales.

[chris_1288]

I suspected that would be the case. I think the effort in determining how much time it was used to sell those two items would far out weigh the actual financial return. 

I also bought my niece an iPad for her birthday this year, would it be possible to claim that as an education expense or would my sister be the only one able to do that? 

Cheers. 

[lyndal1838]

Oh come off it.....you bought a gift for someone....why would anyone be able to claim it as a deduction.   Your sister did not outlay any money for it so why should she be able to claim anything unless there are ongoing running costs that she pays for her daughter.

[daydreams_12]

OMG

[clarry100]

In order for you to claim anything as a tax deduction you have to be able to demonstrate that the item is in substantial use in order to derive your income. With only two sales that will be very difficult to justify.

If you go ahead and claim it anyway and you get a desk audit you will have to offer the proof to the auditor. If they are not happy then you will have to repay the amount you claimed plus pay a fine for false declaration.

Basically for them to believe you then you will need to be also declaring all the income (from ALL both sales) you have derived from your business venture. Bit difficult I suspect.

You need to talk to a tax accountant. They will set you straight.

[the_great_she_elephant]

How many items have you actually listed on eBay and have you declared the money for the two you sold as income? If you have listed 100 items, say, and only managed to sell ,2 then it is just, I repeat, just, possible that you might get away with declaring it as a business and showing a loss, but you'd be sticking your neck out and if you tried it on more than once they'd almost certainly come down on you like a ton of bricks. 

[joethenuts]

when  you do your tax why not claim the air you breath , how about claming if you wear nail polish ,as you use your fingers to write these posts ,  mmmmmmmmmm