Start Up Expenses

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Burke
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2008
    • 7068

    #1

    Start Up Expenses

    Client began business in 2021 and has income/expenses providing a professional service. Filing Sche C. Also, took training class to add (related) new feature to business, which has not yet been implemented. Can this training class be considered a start-up expense? It was paid for in 2021, but this feature won't be implemented until 2022. New feature involves selling of self-created materials and books.
  • TaxGuyBill
    Senior Member
    • Oct 2013
    • 2321

    #2
    I don't think so.

    If it is closely related to the business and considered as part of the same business, I would just view it as deductible educational expense.

    If it is not close enough to the current business and considered as a new business, I suspect it is not deductible at all (education to start a new business is not deductible).

    Comment

    • Burke
      Senior Member
      • Jan 2008
      • 7068

      #3
      It's definitely related, and it can be deductible as an educational expense. But it will create a loss, as it was nearly $7K, and TP doesn't need it. I would like to be able to use some of it in future years. Can it be capitalized?

      Comment

      • Burke
        Senior Member
        • Jan 2008
        • 7068

        #4
        To clarify further, this will provide a future benefit lasting over a period of years. It was not required to meet the minimum necessary requirements of the business, or licensing, etc.

        Comment

        • Maribeth
          Senior Member
          • Oct 2006
          • 425

          #5
          Burke, of course you can capitalize the expense. The question becomes whether you can amortize it. Could you make an argument that the expense was similar to a website development, or a developed software, or a 3 year prepaid advertising contract? Something along those lines where you would have a period of 3 years and not the Sec197 15 years? Or even a prepaid insurance contract? I know I may be getting confused with book/tax differences here but if you capitalize it, how will you amortize it?

          Comment

          Working...