📋Business Expenses

Is a Keyboard & Mouse Tax Deductible?

Q: How do I categorize a Keyboard & Mouse Tax Deductible in QuickBooks?

In QuickBooks Online, categorize this under "> **Behind on your bookkeeping?** Ketchup catches up your QuickBooks in 3–7 business days — starting". Report on Line 22.

✅ Yes, Tax Deductible

Yes — Keyboards and mice used for business are fully deductible as computer peripherals or office supplies.

IRS Reference: IRS Publication 535

QBO Category: > **Behind on your bookkeeping?** Ketchup catches up your QuickBooks in 3–7 business days — starting · Line 22

Quick Answer: ✅ Yes — Keyboards and mice used for business are fully deductible as computer peripherals or office supplies.

The Short Answer

A keyboard and mouse purchased for your business workstation are straightforward deductible expenses. Whether it's a $20 basic combo or a $300 ergonomic setup, the full business-use cost is deductible. These are consumable peripherals that the IRS treats as ordinary office supplies.

IRS Rules for Deducting a Keyboard & Mouse

Under IRS Publication 535, keyboards and mice are ordinary and necessary business expenses. They're computer peripherals classified as supplies or equipment depending on cost:

Under $200 (most keyboards and mice): Expense immediately as office supplies. No depreciation, no special elections needed.
$200–$2,500 (premium ergonomic setups): Still expense immediately under the de minimis safe harbor.
Over $2,500 (very rare — custom ergonomic systems): Section 179 or 5-year MACRS depreciation.

If you work from home, the keyboard and mouse must be used in a qualifying home office or for business tasks. Mixed personal/business use requires allocation, though peripherals dedicated to a business computer are typically 100% business.

How Much Can You Deduct?

Item	Typical Cost	Deductible
------	-------------	------------
Basic keyboard + mouse combo	$20–$50	100%
Mechanical keyboard	$50–$200	100%
Ergonomic keyboard (Kinesis, Ergodox)	$200–$400	100%
Trackpad, trackball, or vertical mouse	$30–$100	100%
Wireless combo set	$30–$100	100%

How to Categorize in QuickBooks

QBO Category: Office Supplies or Computer & Internet Expenses
Schedule C Line: Line 22 (Supplies) or Line 18 (Office expense)
Tip: Group keyboards, mice, cables, and adapters under "Computer Peripherals" as a sub-category of Office Supplies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not deducting replacement peripherals. Keyboards and mice wear out. Every replacement is a new deduction — keep the receipts.
Forgetting wireless accessories. Bluetooth dongles, charging cables, and USB receivers are part of the peripheral cost and deductible.
Bundling with a computer purchase incorrectly. If you buy a keyboard and mouse separately from your computer, deduct them separately. Don't accidentally capitalize a $50 mouse as part of a $2,000 computer depreciation schedule.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Keep purchase receipts with date, vendor, item, and cost. For online purchases, save order confirmations. Peripherals are small-dollar items, but they add up — track them consistently. Retain records for at least 3 years from filing.