Another Pianist's Dad

Hi June,

Helpful site!

I was lead here looking at what the valid deductions would be for self employment in the case of my son. He plays piano for Sunday School each week for the past 3 years and this year the church decided to start paying him $100/month. He has been taking piano lessons for the past 10 years and is very proficient.

Is it legit to deduct as his expenses items that technically were paid by his mother and me (like piano lessons and tuning and music)? Do we need to have him start paying for these expenses himself and just "gift" him money to cover these items?

Thanks,
Cliff


Dear Cliff,

Glad to know my site is helpful. Thanks for letting me know.

In order to give you an in-depth answer I'd need a lot more info. Such as: How old is your son? Do you claim him as an exemption on your tax return? Is he doing this to make money or is this volunteer work that turned into a paying gig?

Here's a general answer that may help you. If money is gifted to someone with no strings attached then that someone may use the money however he or she wishes. If the money is spent on a deductible business expense then the deduction may be taken on the someone's tax return.

Best,
June