Protective gear write offs

[kawa64]

I just dropped $1400 on a helmet and a couple visors, and they're coming from the US. The entry fee and gst fee from nz customs is estimated at $250.

Is it possible to write off such an expensive as "protective gear for commuting."

I own a small business (annual income less than $75,000NZD) and travel back and forth from the bank quite a lot.

I remember speaking to a tax attorney a while ago who said that gas money or other commuting expenses are not deductible, as well as 'business clothing,' however protective armour/gear is a grey area.

I've also looked at some online websites that say business clothing is non-deductable "WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PROTECTIVE GEAR."

Has anyone had any experience with this?

[caspernz]

The acronym you're looking for is PPE.

[Jeeper]

But is it required for discharge of your duties at work or commute to/from work.

[Moi]

Have you talked to customs?

In the past, motorcycle clothing which was "protective" was not charged duty...

Just saying...

[scott411]

Have you talked to customs?

In the past, motorcycle clothing which was "protective" was not charged duty...

Just saying...

its still charged gst tho

[Akzle]

nigga all yo shit is deductible. go and punch that lawyer in the mouth.

[Moi]

its still charged gst tho

True...

Had done the "entry fee" + GST = $250 thinking that the GST would be $140 [forgot to add 5% to the 10%] and entry fee would be $110 of which some might be duty that could be reduced... D'oh...

Should be GST at $210 + entry fee [approx $40] so guessing no duty being charged...

Perhaps the OP should be talking to IRD about his GST...

[HEsch]

FWIW my new motorbike protective gear came in and got charged the 5% duty for clothing. About 2 months ago.
I didn't quibble because I couldn't be arsed.

[R650R]

You need a better accountant. I assume you have a PCBU basic OSH policy, just edit that to tell yourself you have to wear safety gear while riding bike on business time/work.
I was amazed at all the stuff my one claimed. Just receipt and inventory everything.
Also from memory any item under $500 is an instant tax writeoff/expense even if its a long term capital asset that doesn't really wear out eg $400 camera tripod.
So when buying stuff, time/spread purchases or individual recepits to score on that front too.

What the hell is a tax attorney??? all you need is an accountant. My one used to work for IRD so really knew his stuff.
Just remembered had some embroidered shirts/caps/beanies to self promote and claimed on those no worries.

[russd7]

have times changed that much, all my clothes were farm clothes and claimed both GST and tax on em, haven't been self employed for a few year now tho.

[Mike.Gayner]

Some pretty bad advice in here. In all likelihood none of your motorcycle gear is tax deductible, unless you fulfil some pretty specific conditions (which is unlikely). Yeah a bad accountant will let you take the deduction, but that's just shonky work from someone who doesn't understand the fiduciary duty.

I'm an accountant. I don't do tax work any more, but this stuff is pretty basic.

[JimO]

i claimed a wetsuit once upon a time

[rastuscat]

I'm a motorcycle instructor. I'm expected to model safe motorcycle gear to my clients, so my accountant treats it as a flammable expense.

Interested in your thoughts.

[Mike.Gayner]

I'm a motorcycle instructor. I'm expected to model safe motorcycle gear to my clients, so my accountant treats it as a flammable expense.

Interested in your thoughts.

Totally legitimate as a deductable expense in that case Though I'm guessing "flammable expense" was a hilarious error.

[pritch]

I think the OP should up his GST estimate a bit. His figure is OK for a start but then there’s the MAF charge and the Customs charge for charging you GST, and the GST on that charge. You get the idea.