For the small business owner who works from home, the home office income tax deduction can be extremely valuable. With a small time commitment, the business owner can collect the data needed to file for this using the regular method which generally:
- Yields a larger dollar amount deduction (up to 3x) versus the simplified method (capped at $1,500).
- Allows carryover of these expenses if the gross income test is not met in the current year.
What Qualifies as a Home Office?
The home office does not have to be the principal place of business or the only place where meetings with patients, clients, customers, etc. take place.
- The main requirement is that the home office be used exclusively and regularly for business.
- Personal activities should not be conducted in that space.
- The office does not have to be in a separate room; it can be a portion of a room.
- The business owner must maintain evidence, indicating the home is a place of business.
- A separate free-standing structure, such as a studio, garage, or barn, if used exclusively and regularly for the business, is also eligible.
If the business owner conducts business at a location outside of the home, such as meeting space in a club or restaurant, but also uses the home substantially and regularly for business, he/she may still qualify for the deduction.
How is the Deduction Calculated?
Generally, the deduction for a home office is based on the amount of your home devoted to business use. If a whole or part of a room is used for the business, a calculation must be performed. The square footage of the office is divided by the total square footage of the home to obtain the applicable percentage of the home office. Thus, taking accurate space measurements is required.
The data you need to gather for the deduction is listed below. Note that documents/receipts/notes for the various expenses should be saved for at least 7 years.
For homeowners:
- Square footage of both the home and the office room/space
- Date and purchase prices of home purchase
- Improvements for prior and current tax years.
- Mortgage interest and real estate taxes paid in current tax year
For renters:
- Annual rent expense
- Square footage of both the residence and the home office space
Other allowable deductions for the Home Office Deduction:
- Renter/HO/property/liability insurance
- Repairs and maintenance, both interior and exterior
- Utilities, including internet and landline phone services
- Miscellaneous expenses that benefit the entire home and grounds, if applicable, such as: Housekeeping, pest control, carpet/window/chimney cleaning, lawn/tree maintenance, snow removal, security systems, and home associations/coop/condo common area monthly maintenance fees.
There are many deductions to consider if you work from a home office. Start gathering this information today so that you have everything ready during tax season.
Contact me with questions or comments.
Sallie Mullins Thompson, CPA/PFS, CFP, MBA
Principal
Office: 212-243-9126
Mobile: 646-266-6808
Email: salliemt@smtcpapllc.com