The feedback has been interesting and thought provoking. In cases where Sec.
162 (a) applies as to what is ordinary and necessary and Sec. 280 applies to personal living expenses, the taxpayer bears the burden of proof as to what is deductible. As a tax professional, you have to make that determination to the best of your ability. Most due and subscriptions are placed in Other of Miscellaneous Expenses, although QB provides this account in the chart. I have never had a tax client that has been audited, although I have clients that in the past have been audited. Interestingly enough, I have found that self-employed individuals have been more rigorously examined for such items than C corps, LLCs and the like, especially where home office deductions have been claimed. It is not that much money, and I advise my clients to take such deductions for subscriptions because business people read articles that contain issues politically and economically. Newsweek, Time, Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, Investors Daily are just a few examples that I argue are deductible on that basis. Mr. Bole, I know the IRS code as it applies to this subject matter and read case arguments daily. And I have read Pub. 535 more times than you will know. :)aps = Accountax Professional Services