Can I Claim Library Fines?

[Dilley Beans]

I use the library for a lot of our books since there are just so many good books and I can't own them all.

Anyway...if I get late return fees on books used for my daycare, can I claim them as an expense? It isn't that much, $.15/day for books but it add up when I borrow videos and cds and they charge $1 a day.

[TomCopeland]

library fines

I use the library for a lot of our books since there are just so many good books and I can't own them all.

Anyway...if I get late return fees on books used for my daycare, can I claim them as an expense? It isn't that much, $.15/day for books but it add up when I borrow videos and cds and they charge $1 a day.

First time I've had this question in 35+ years! No, you can't deduct library fines as a business expense. No reward for breaking a rule.

[CityGarden]

Some libraries will allow homeschoolers and teachers the ability to check books out longer than the general public so I would look into that.

I am guilty of often returning library books late (have been since childhood) so we make a habit of going to the library once a week and not keeping any book longer than that. If I need to keep it longer I either check it out again or purchase it on Amazon.

Also I keep a running book wish list that I can share with others when they want to gift something to my dd, myself or my preschool.

[Thriftylady]

First time I've had this question in 35+ years! No, you can't deduct library fines as a business expense. No reward for breaking a rule.

This is what I was going to say. My hubby has this in truck driving. If he gets a ticket, you can't deduct the ticket, because a fine for breaking the law isn't deductible. BUT, he can deduct the legal fees for fighting said ticket.:confused:

[Dilley Beans]

It's usually $.15/day but a few laurie berkner cds I borrowed couldn't be renewed and I was a day late. They charged $1 each. Since I just got done with taxes, it was on my mind. I didn't know if it was a receipt to keep or toss.

Thanks