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Level 3
April 25, 2023
Question

business expense

  • April 25, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 0 views

TP has a courier business like door dash. Can he legally declare expenses for carrying a gun and cost 

of ammunition.

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

IRonMaN
Level 15
April 25, 2023

Just because he wants to feel like Wyatt Earp when he is making deliveries doesn't make it a legitimate business expense.  Unless Door Dash requires all couriers to be armed, it isn't deductible.

Slava Ukraini!
rbynaker
Level 13
April 25, 2023

I'm curious, how much ammunition is being used in this trade or business?  I would guess the number of shots fired for business purposes would be somewhere around 0.

The answer may depend on whether you're on the south side of Chicago (I hear it's the baddest part of town) or nearby Naperville, IL (listed by Forbes as the safest city in the US (with 100K+ population)).  It may also depend on what's being "couriered."  Drugs?  That's a hard "no" under IRC 280E.  IRC 162 simply refers to "ordinary and necessary expenses."  Are these ordinary and necessary?

abctax55
Level 15
April 25, 2023

Oh Rick.... the same thing flashed into my brain 🤣

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2a5CjKOTlg

If you are dashing around with caviar or Wagu beef.... maybe?  

McDonald's - probably not.

HumanKind... Be Both
BobKamman
Level 15
April 25, 2023
Level 8
April 28, 2023

I didn't see anything in the article, posted by Bob, that says the IRS allows a gun/ammo (in any State) as an ordinary and necessary business deduction.

It would only be allowed if employer requires it. Although client would be considered an independent contractor...I question whether the company he contracts to has this requirement. It seems to me that they would share a liability therefore, should have a say in whether the contracted hire is carrying a weapon.

sjrcpa
Level 15
April 28, 2023

Great article Bob.

Laura, you need to develop a sense of humor.

 

The more I know the more I don’t know.
Level 6
April 27, 2023

If the service offers armed couriers then sure.  Include range fees and ammo for training.  Not knowing where this is located, wondering if he has a business permit?

qbteachmt
Level 15
April 27, 2023

"wondering if he has a business permit?"

Permits? We don't need no stinkin' permits...

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