First determine if your workspace qualifies and then look at which expenses you can claim.
Home office requirements cra. If you choose to use this method you cannot claim home office expenses using the regular method explained above. The simplified method doesn t change who can claim it but it does simplify your calculations and records. Updated application forms and flr gt form added. The canada revenue agency allows you to deduct business use of home or workspace in the home expenses from your income lowering your taxable income and reducing your tax burden.
The capital gain and recapture rules will apply if you deduct cca on the business use part of your home and you later sell your home. Section 4 2 medical declaration form published. Since many of the requirements for deducting home office expenses depend on your individual circumstances it s important to carefully document your claims so you can back them up if the cra. For more information go to income tax folio s4 f2 c2 business use of home expenses.
The amount you can deduct for work space in the home expenses is limited to the amount of employment income remaining after all other employment expenses have been. Self employed individuals and qualified employees can claim expenses associated with having a home office. Failing to break down your home office expenses into different categories. Principal place of your business.
If you rent your home you can deduct the part of the rent and any expenses you incur that relate to the workspace. If your office space is in a rented house or apartment where you live deduct the percentage of the rent as well as any maintenance costs you paid that relates to the work space. Requirements to claim the home office deduction. Regardless of the method chosen there are two basic requirements for your home to qualify as a deduction.
Few if any small business owners who have the ability to work from home can complete their work without a computer. Consider a laptop if you intend to create a mobile office in addition to your home office or if your work often involves visiting clients or customers locations. The cra may question your expenses if you re showing big numbers in one category. If you use a specific room for business purposes such as a home office you can take the area of your workspace and divide it by the total area of your house.
If you meet the cra requirements because you are doing business where you live your expenses will be a percentage of your home expenses. Do your research so you select one that meets your specific needs. Regular and exclusive use. You must regularly use part of your home exclusively for conducting business.
Home offices expenses for employees when you re an employee there are more restrictions for claiming your home office.