Writeoffs for "non-existing" personal business
 

I have been told different things on this, so I wanted some feedback from you guys...

I do not have a business name, nothing filed, but I have made a little money on the side doing computer work that I will receive a 1099 for from the company that hired me to do the work.

I bought a new laptop this year for around $1000. Is there any way I could write this off as a business expense, by saying I have a Sole Proprietorship business?

I also have a full time job as a programmer / after-hours tech support, which is mainly why I purchased the laptop. I need to be able to see the screens sometimes while I'm not near a regular computer, and it's easier bringing my programming work home so I don't have to sit at the office all night.

Would that scenario work to be able to write it off as a work-related expense?

while you may not necessarily have a business, as a employee you may have "business" related expenses that are not reimbursed by your employers.

So since you have gotten a 1099, that means you are self employed and can enjoy a wider set of dedcutions than most people.

You really should speak to an accountant so that you know what things you can and should be deducting.

Amen to seeing an accountant, because you may own employment taxes on that.