Is interest tax deductible on margin loans for business expenses?

September 10, 2004


Subject:  margin loan interest
From:  D. Helm
Date:  Fri, 06 Aug 2004

We used a margin loan for personal living expenses while getting a business established. Is the interest tax deductible?

Thanks,
D. Helm

Answer

Date:  Wed, 01 Sep 2004

Hi D.,

Interest paid to any source (other than certain home equity loans) where the loan was used to pay personal living expenses is not tax deductible. However, the tracing rules are fairly liberal, so you might be able to "trace" the loan proceeds to business expenditures. Consult with a tax advisor.

Good luck!

Mike Gray

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: As required by U.S. Treasury Regulations, you are hereby advised that any written tax advice contained on this website was not written or intended to be used (and cannot be used) by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

For answers to more business questions and information about new tax developments, subscribe to our newsletter, Michael Gray, CPA's Tax & Business Insight by filling out the form below.


Home   Business Building Blog   Introduction   Seven Habits   Business Improvement   Book Reviews   Need Help?   Links


Michael Gray, CPA
2482 Wooding Ct.
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 918-3162
FAX: (408) 938-0610

Subscribe to Michael Gray, CPA's
Tax & Business Insight


We respect your email privacy