The rules for determining whether or not the costs of a home office are deductible are really quite simple. Here we will cover the 4 tests you must pass to qualify for this deduction.
The rules for determining whether or not the costs of a home office are deductible are really quite simple. Here we will cover the 4 tests you must pass to qualify for this deduction.
You should always take as many deductions as possible when working at home.
One of the largest is,
deducting a portion of your rent or mortgage costs, not forgetting your utilities and other related expenses. The main advantage of this is to reduce your taxable earning, thereby reducing your self employment taxes.
But it can be a bit tricky knowing if you are eligible to write of a portion of your home as a business expense. You have to know exactly what the words ‘exclusive’, ‘regular’, and ‘principle’ mean. But remember, get the IRS definition for these terms, not Mr. Webster’s.
The following four rules, or tests, determines your eligibility.
The “exclusive use” rule.
You must use a specific area of your home only for your trade or business.
The area used for business can be a room or other separately identifiable space. The space does not need to be marked off by any kind of partition.
This means that the space must not be used for any other purposes. If you use the space or area for both business and personal use, you do not meet the ‘exclusive use’ rule. You can’t deduct the dining room if you work off the dining table. Also that third bedroom where you have your computer, and a guest bed does not count either.
The "regular use" rule.
That part of your home that you use ‘exclusively’ must be used for that purpose on a ‘regular’ basis. Incidental, or occasional use does not meet this test. If your use your space only sparingly from time to time, that does not qualify.
The ‘Trade or Business Use’ rule.
You must use part of your home in connection with a trade or business. No hobbies allowed. If you make some money on the side with one of your hobbies, this does not qualify. It must be related to an actual business.
The "principal place of business" rule.
Under this rule, your home, or part thereof, must be the principle place of business for that trade or business. There can be no other fixed places where you conduct business or conduct administrative or management activities. If you have an office elsewhere, you can’t deduct your home office. Where you do most of your work doesn’t qualify.
Equipment.
Regardless of whether or not you’re eligible to deduct a portion of your housing expenses, you may be able to deduct the cost of office or other trade equipment.
The main rule for whether this is eligible is the “exclusive” rule. What ever piece of equipment you wish to deduct its costs for, must be used exclusively for business or trade purposes. There can be no partial use, or ‘most of the time’ use, or ‘I only use it sometimes for personal use’.
If you use a computer in your business, you cannot surf and use personal email on the same machine, and still deduct its costs. Exclusive means exclusive.
Like all your deductions, don’t take a chance, its just not worth it. IRS auditors are not hired because they are warm, fuzzy, and forgiving. They are enforcers, they don’t play well with others. Be smart.
More Information.
Of course the IRS has more information on this if you care to check it out. The main page for deducting your home office is at www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108138,00.html And Publication 587 at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p587.pdf
Please Note:
I am not an attorney, nor am I a CPA. I simply need to know things, so I do some research, and then share what I’ve learned so that others may also benefit. My aim is to provide an overview, or a place to start your own investigations. Please be aware that tax laws can and do change from year to year. For actual bona fide tax advice please seek out a tax attorney.
