Ashkouri v. Commissioner – Developer’s marketing materials aren’t immediately deductible

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Abstract: The proper timing of income tax deductions for expenses incurred by developers while researching projects can prove tricky. One developer recently learned the hard way that the costs of marketing materials aren’t necessarily immediately deductible — and may not be deductible at all if the outcome of the bidding process for a project isn’t sufficiently documented. This article reviews the case about what not to do when claiming tax deductions for researching projects. A short sidebar covers that taxpayer’s failure to adequately substantiate the related expenses. Ashkouri v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2019-95 (Tax Ct. July 30, 2019)