If I use my cell phone's email access to check work email, can I write off the phone expenses on my taxes?

Question

I use the email feature specifically to check my work Outlook....can this feature which is an extra charge be written off on my taxes?

Answer 1

To the degree that you can show that it is a necessary business expense. Perhaps even a portion of the base charge. All of that assumes that you itemize your deduction and exceed the 2% exclusion of miscellious deductions.

Answer 2

I think it would be very tough to determine the business portion of your calls unless your cell phone company lists all the calls you made each month (which I doubt).

To get around this problem though, you could always get a 2nd phone to use just for business purposes, but it is highly (extreme emphasis on highly) unlikely that the tax benefit outweighs the cost of the phone & plan.

Answer 3

Sure, as long as you are itemizing your expenses. Since you need the phone as well, you can write off a portion of the main service charge as well.

Answer 4

Depends - do you own your own business, or are you an employee? If you're an employee, you can only deduct non-reimbursed expenses if you itemize, and can only deduct the amount that's over 2% of your AGI.

Answer 5

Absolutely! The only thing is if your standard deduction is higher than your itemized deductions it is a waste of time.

Keep track of mileage, clothing (you can take a percentage) and any other expenses you incur for your work.

Answer 6

if you could prove its a NECESSESARY BUSINESS EXPENSE. you might be able to then, talk to ur tax preparer