If you choose to use this method you cannot claim home office expenses using the regular method explained above.
Home office requirements for taxes. And according to the irs your home can be a house condo or apartment unit or even a mobile home or boat as long as you can cook and sleep there. Irs tax tip 2016 53 april 1 2016. This post provides a list of what s required to qualify for a home office tax deduction other deductions you can claim and the benefits of having a home business. The basic charge including taxes of the first landline to your property is a personal expense and not deductible although long distance costs made for business purposes are deductible separately on schedule c not as part of the office in home expenses.
As with anything else taking a home office deduction has its pros and cons. A home office is a place in your home that is used exclusively for business purposes. The home office deduction allows independent contractors small business owners and others to lower their taxable income. Regular and exclusive use.
Most who qualify for a home office deductions will want to take it but you always want to be aware of the potential pitfalls such as an increased likelihood of an audit and a possible increase in your capital gains tax when you sell your home if you don t use the simplified method. A home office must be exclusively and regularly used for business meaning children and guests can t use this room. The simplified method doesn t change who can claim it but it does simplify your calculations and records. The irs offers taxpayers a home office deduction to offset a portion of the costs of their home offices.
In this publication you will find. If you use your home for business you may be able to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. According to irs home office rules home office expenses can only be deducted when a specific area of your home is used regularly and exclusively as your principal place of business however if you use the home office space as a place to meet or deal with patients clients or customers even if it is not your principal place of business you may still qualify to take a home office. At the top of your why i love working from home list is being able to take a home office tax deduction and other home business deductions when you file your income tax return.
However you must meet two tax law requirements to qualify for the home office deduction. For a full explanation of tax deductions for your home office refer to publication 587 business use of your home. There are several special requirements and rules for the home office deduction. Requirements for qualifying to deduct expenses including special rules for storing inventory or product samples.
If you qualify you can claim the deduction whether you rent or own your home.