But be careful. A home office deduction is not always in everyone's best interest. So it is wise to carefully consider the pros and cons of a home office deduction. And if you have any doubts, consult a tax specialist for your specific circumstances.
More: Home Office Deduction F AQ
But some things to consider about taking a home office deduction on your income taxes include:
- Emloyees vs. Self-Employed - Different rules apply for telecommuters and independent contractors. Telecommuting employees are subject to more restrictions than independent contractors. Telecommuters must be working from a home office for the sake of convenience of their employer.
- Profit and Loss - Your home office may not create a loss for your business. Independent contractors filing a a Schedule C, must first calculate whether their business has a profit or a loss. Then subtract the home office deduction, which may not create a loss.
- Selling Your Home - When you sell your house, having claimed the home office deduction can affect your capital gains taxes. The capital gains tax exclusion allowed from the sale of your primary residence could be reduced by the amount that you have claimed for depreciation on your home office. For more details, see IRS Publication 523 Selling Your Home.
- IRS Audit - Taking a home office deduction possibly increases your chance of an IRS audit. Although About.com's Guide to Taxes William Perez thinks this bit of conventional wisdom may not be as true as it once was, he notes that filing a Schedule C may increase your chance of an audit. So always keep good records of all business expenses.
For more information regarding home office deductions, see IRS Publication 587 Business Use of Your Home.
Disclaimer
I am not a tax attorney, CPA or tax preparation specialist. The information here is meant as a general guide. For specific questions about your own taxes, please refer to IRS publications or consult a tax specialist.
