Another technician in our shop says he deducts his tools on his taxes every year. Can I do that without “Uncle Sam” nailing me?
“Depending upon how your accountant—and everyone should have an accountant—has your information set up, there are situations that allow techs to deduct tool purchases from their income taxes. But, you need to have that conversation with a tax professional.
“Remember, a certified auto tech's specialty is automobiles; a certified accountant's specialty is tax law. Ask your tax professional about your special circumstances.”
Is now the time to buy a new scanner? There are so many great deals out there that I don't want to miss out on the sales.
“That scanner may be the best deal you'll ever see, but if you truly don't need one, there are no savings. Don't let those tool magazines put ideas into your head.
“A tool's purpose is to make you work smarter, not harder. But when the tool or scanner is going to be sitting in your box because you have a duplicate, I can't see the 'big savings.' Keep that money in your wallet or purchase something that you really can use.”
Do you have an automotive service-related question for Pam Oakes? Email it to Tire Business Senior Reporter William Schertz at [email protected]. “Ask Pam Oakes” is an exclusive feature of Service Zone, a Tire Business automotive service e-newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.tirebusiness.com.
ASE-certified technician Pam Oakes is the owner of Pam's Motor City Auto & Tire Center, an award-winning automotive service business in Fort Myers, Fla. She also is the author of the book series Car Care for the Clueless and hosts a weekly radio talk show by the same name on CBS Radio's The Sky and CoachMeRadio. And yes, she still “turns wrenches.”