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Tax offsetting question for a nice PC

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  • 03-12-2018 1:46pm
    #1
    nightrave
    Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭


    Hey all!

    I am a sole trader and PC is the main tool I use in my business. Now I plan to upgrade the PC I have and my accountant confirmed I can offset 100% of the cost against the tax I pay.

    I'd love to get a top of the line rig and technically, I could get a lot cheaper one and still do what I do. Question is - can revenue question whether that particular config is beyond my needs or do they ignore stuff like that?


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    #2
    Gloomtastic!
    Registered Users Posts: 8,479 ✭✭✭Gloomtastic!


    If you were audited and they found a receipt for €10k, they may pull you up on it but you should be fine for say €1500 or whatever a top end laptop costs.


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    #3
    modmuffin
    Registered Users Posts: 407 ✭✭modmuffin


    Its hard for them to define what your needs are - just be able to justify it.

    However beware of laptops - they added back 60% of the cost of our mac laptops, citing personal usage. Without any proof of personal use. Seemed to be a policy.

    this was not an audit, just a simple review.


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    #4
    ChristmasFM: Ronan
    Company Representative Posts: 80 Verified rep ✭ChristmasFM: Ronan


    I can't see any problem spending what ever you like on a laptop. Even 10k including software is fine - i dont think revenue would bat an eyelid, but most top spec set ups wouldn't cost more than 3 or 4k. It is worth getting a really top spec laptop if you use them a lot as you get so much more work done in the same amount of time.

    Just make sure it matches you work needs. A laptop called a Gaming Laptop that comes with Steering Wheel accessories isn't going to pass mustard. Also if your total income is tiny and your laptop is expensive that won't add up - ie. if you keep bees as a side project and sell 200 euros of honey a year but buy a 5000 euro laptop thats not ok. But if you make a living using your laptop like you said, its grand.
    modmuffin wrote: »
    Its hard for them to define what your needs are - just be able to justify it.

    However beware of laptops - they added back 60% of the cost of our mac laptops, citing personal usage. Without any proof of personal use. Seemed to be a policy.

    this was not an audit, just a simple review.

    I think you got mugged there, I'd definitely appeal that as it would go in your favour. That's like saying an upgrade to a first class flight is personal use and only being allowed to claim for the economy seat. Unless you declared that you watch netflix all day its 100% business use. If they argue, just prove that you have access to a different laptop for personal use. Done. Revenue shouldnt be micro managing SME's. Ofcourse if you just introduce a policy like my company has that all laptops must be used for work purposes then revenue can't argue personal usage.


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    #5
    pedroeibar1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,108 ✭✭✭pedroeibar1


    ChristmasFM: Ronan wrote: »
    .....isn't going to pass mustard........
    Muster.


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    #6
    neris
    Registered Users Posts: 20,054 ✭✭✭✭neris


    ChristmasFM: Ronan wrote: »
    Revenue shouldnt be micro managing SME's. Ofcourse if you just introduce a policy like my company has that all laptops must be used for work purposes then revenue can't argue personal usage.

    its alot easier to bully, harass, scare the **** out of & extort from an SME then it is to go after billions from a multi national with an army of lawyers and tax experts at their disposal.


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