Can you write off a laptop if you use it half for work?

Yes — usually you can deduct the business-use portion of the laptop, not the full cost.

If you use it 50% for work and 50% personal, the starting point is often a 50% business deduction. For example, on a $1,000 laptop, the business portion would be $500. That amount may be claimed through depreciation or, if you qualify, Section 179/bonus depreciation rather than all at once.

Most common cases:

• Self-employed, freelancers, business owners: usually can deduct the work-use share.
• W-2 employees: deducting unreimbursed work expenses depends on current tax rules and your state.

Keep these records:

• receipt
• a simple log of business vs. personal use
• depreciation or expense records

Bottom line: yes, but only for the work-use share, and the exact tax treatment depends on your filing situation and the current-year rules.