What's deductible?
- Camera hardware (Ring, Arlo, Nest, Wyze)
- Installation costs
- Monthly monitoring/cloud storage subscriptions
- DVR/NVR systems
- Professional security monitoring services
- Alarm systems for business property
Rental property
Security cameras installed at a rental property are a rental expense. The hardware is deductible (Section 179 or de minimis safe harbor) and monitoring fees are an operating expense on Schedule E.
Home office
If you install cameras at your home and have a home office, you can deduct the business-use percentage. A $200 Ring system with your office being 10% of your home = $20 deduction. Probably not worth the effort to track, but technically valid.
IRS Reference
Security equipment: Section 179 or de minimis safe harbor. Monitoring fees: ordinary business expense. Report on Schedule C or Schedule E.
Security equipment: Section 179 or de minimis safe harbor. Monitoring fees: ordinary business expense. Report on Schedule C or Schedule E.
Track security expenses
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