Question

Terry traveled to a neighboring state to investigate the purchase of two hardware stores. His expenses included travel, legal, accounting, and miscellaneous expenses. The total was $52,000. He incurred the expenses in June and July 2015. Under the following circumstances, what can Terry deduct in 2020?
a. Terry was in the hardware store business and did not acquire the two hardware stores.
b. Terry was in the hardware store business and acquired the two hardware stores and began operating them on October 1, 2020.
c. Terry did not acquire the two hardware stores and was not in the hardware store business.
d. Terry acquired the two hardware stores but was not in the hardware store business when he acquired them. Operations began on October 1, 2020.

Answer 1

Answer: See explanation

Explanation:

a. Terry was in the hardware store business and did not acquire the two hardware stores.

The amount that Terry will deduct in 2020 will be $52000 which is the deduction for all expenses.

b. Terry was in the hardware store business and acquired the two hardware stores and began operating them on October 1, 2020.

In this case, he'll also deduct $52000 which is the deduction for all expenses.

c. Terry did not acquire the two hardware stores and was not in the hardware store business.

None of his expenses will be deducted. The amount it be deducted is 0.