I can't find the answer.....

I'm married, but the business will be in my name. We have 6 deductions (3 children plus my mother, plus ourselves).

We just bought a new computer for me - it's in his name.

How am I going to file? Will I still be able to deduct the computer if I'm not on the bill?

I'm so confused

Should we file separately? or can we file married/jointly with the business?

Not sure about these details, but you can get some advice at http://www.allexperts.com . They have all sorts of folks on this site with specialized knowledge. I've used the site here and there over the years -- at least for a starting point when I'm researching a difficult topic.

Kind Regards,
Tara Kachaturoff

I agree that you'll want to ask someone who specializes in tax issues - unless you can find someone who has a similar situation.

I do believe that as far as office supplies go - you should purchase them with your business account in order to ensure there's no question at tax time.That way your receipts make it very clear. But I'm not an expert in these kinds of things so can't be sure.

I think checking at All Experts is a great idea. You could also utilize the free small business counseling services at SCORE

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful on this one!

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Filing partly depends on your business setup - s-corp, llc, sole proprietor, etc...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Originally Posted by AA-VA

I can't find the answer..... I'm married, but the business will be in my name. We have 6 deductions (3 children plus my mother, plus ourselves). We just bought a new computer for me - it's in his name. How am I going to file? Will I still be able to deduct the computer if I'm not on the bill? I'm so confused Should we file separately? or can we file married/jointly with the business?

You may still file jointly with your spouse, even if he is not a partner in the business. If you are a sole-p, then you will just state on your Sch-C that you are the sole owner, but all of the profit will flow to your joint personal tax return. If you file married-filing-seperately, then it would flow to your tax return alone. If you you are a corp you will file a completely seperate tax return for the business.

Whether or not you can claim the computer depends on several factors, first, how is your business set up? LLC, sole-p, corp? Also, did he purchase it using a joint checking account or his individual account? It's possible you can deduct part of the purchase, but only the percentage that is used for business. So, unless you use it soley for business you can only take a partial deduction.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Originally Posted by Rebecka

You may still file jointly with your spouse, even if he is not a partner in the business. If you are a sole-p, then you will just state on your Sch-C that you are the sole owner, but all of the profit will flow to your joint personal tax return. If you file married-filing-seperately, then it would flow to your tax return alone. If you you are a corp you will file a completely seperate tax return for the business. Whether or not you can claim the computer depends on several factors, first, how is your business set up? LLC, sole-p, corp? Also, did he purchase it using a joint checking account or his individual account? It's possible you can deduct part of the purchase, but only the percentage that is used for business. So, unless you use it soley for business you can only take a partial deduction.

Thanks so much Rebecka, that was very helpful.

I haven't registered with the state yet, but intend to go sole proprietor.

The credit card it's on is only in his name. But the computer will be mostly for my business and him to surf the internet in the mornings. The old computer is for the rest of the family to use.

If you are going to be a sole-p and the computer was purchased primarily for your business then I would go ahead and deduct it. It's one of those gray areas, technically if you got audited the IRS could disallow the deduction, but I wouldn't worry about it.

It is highly recommended that you open a seperate business checking account and make all purchases through that account or have a credit card that is specifically designated for "business use only".

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I get lots of new VAs asking for advice that really needs to be answered by someone who is familiar with your personal situation - your tax accountant. I'm a sole proprietor and everything I've done in my business has been in my name for the most part. On odd occasions (and very rare) my husband has contributed in some way to my business, usually to get me over a hump. It's listed in my bookkeeping as a loan and I pay him back - that way all costs are attributed to my business.

But again, I recommend you speak to someone who knows your own personal financial situation and that should be your accountant - most important to make sure you get all that's allowed in your circumstances.

Thanks again Rebecka!

As for my tax accountant - that would be Mr. Turbo Tax.. lol

Thank you all for your help!