I own several rental properties in some bad neighborhoods. When I go to any of the properties for maintenance or to meet a tenant, future or soon to be past, in addition to carrying my firearm I also have one of my personal protection dogs with me.

I had a co-worker claim that since the properties are income properties that I claim on my taxes, I can write off any costs associated with the firearms and dogs. This sounds absolutely nuts to me. I won't see my tax person until February, but what do you all think?

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Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend

You'd probably have to prove the exclusivity of their use as security to your business. But what do I know - I am not a CPA or a Tax attorney,

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

You may be able to write off the proportion of their use related to the income properties. Neither the gun nor the dog seem a lot different than installing an alarm system at the properties which would be a deductible expense of some kind. How different would it be than hiring a security guard to travel with you? Is that the same as hiring a plumber?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

If you are as conscientious about your estate security as you would be for your personal security, then you ought to already have all your proerties in an LLC or a C corporation (your home state or nevada).

Then you can write off all expenses and guard your estate from the real krims...... weasel type lawyers.

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

I think it would be a stretch to try to make a case that the firearm and the dog are a business expense.

But, like most expenses...........take 'em and hope for the best if you get audited.

I don't think these two will stand, however.

In reality, the amount of the expenses is really not worth the discussion when the total expenses of a rental house are considered. Nobody is going to notice a writeoff of $500. or so...........about as much as you could document.

Jesus Christ why would the IRS even bother if it was BS--hell, make it $1K?

On your multiple expertly developed LLCs, SubSs and Cs do you operate by a filed operating agreement, or are you an LLC in name only? Do you know the difference?

Weasel tortfeasors do.

.........$1K would be fine........

The reality of the IRS is somewhat different than the specifics of the tax code. Ever ask two accountants the same question? You'll likely get two different answers..........and...........it doesn't usually matter.

..........I might know one of those........

I bet the answer to "can I write off my .38 and my Rottweiler" to any two accountants would be "WGAS?"

One will say..........."I think we can do that".

The second will say.........."well........it depends..........we'll see".

The third will say..........."it won't stand up to an audit".


Take your pick.


I've got considerable experience with accountants, and most of them are a bit lassie-faire about the tax code.

Point being that it is insignificant, yet should the highly unlikely MAN come down to question such an expense (or depreciation), it is highly justifiable.

Maybe you could justify the weapon for a portion of it's use, but........the dog..........?? I don't think so.

I think the bigger questons here is why? Why risk your safety, sell the properties and replace them with ones in better areas.

Personaly I draw the line at the gun, the money isn't good enough to get shot at over.

As for the write off, what are the chances they will notice? Its a stretch, but if your accountant agrees...

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

If I were to write it off it would be a way to recoup some of the money I spend on my shooting and K-9 hobbies, and it's way more than just $500 as was mentioned above.

The latest handgun I purchased was over $600 with about another $100 in the accessories that go with it. I can sometimes spend over $200 a month just at the range on ammo.

The dog was $5,000. In fuel and mileage I spend over $100 a month to attend the training on top of the cost of the training sessions.

It all adds up quick...like owning a Mercedes

__________________
Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend