Deductions and Write-Offs
The most frequently asked tax questions related to Deductions and Write-Offs
What documentation is needed to deduct a home office?
Asked Monday, November 28, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
In addition to actual receipts of expenses paid, It is a good idea to photograph your home office and keep it with the tax return it is being claimed on. This would add to the proof requirement of business use exclusivity.
How do I allocate indirect expenses in my home office?
Asked Monday, November 28, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Generally the number of rooms identified as the home office divided by total rooms equals your percentage of business use.
What expenses are deductible in my home office?
Asked Monday, November 28, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Expenses directly allocated to the home office such as painting the office or buying furniture for the office are 100% deductible. Other expenses indirectly incurred are deductible at a business expense allocation percentage. These would include Real estate taxes, mortgage interest, depreciation, utilities, rent, insurance, snow removal and security.
What is the IRS publication that explains home office expenses?
Asked Monday, November 28, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
IRS publication 587 explains the details of deducting a home office.
Can I claim a home office expense?
Asked Monday, November 28, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
To deduct home office expenses you must prove that you use the home area "exclusively" and on a "regular" basis as a place of business to meet or deal with clients, patients or customers in the normal course of your business or if you spend most of your working time there and most of your business income is attributable to your activities there. Also it must be a separate structure with no personal use. Exclusive use means solely for business so spare bedrooms or use of a den have been challenged by the IRS.
Can I deduct storage space in my basement as a home office deduction?
Asked Monday, November 28, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If space is used on a regular basis for the storage of inventory or sample products you can deduct home office expenses even though you use the space for personal purposes and do not meet the exclusive use test.
Can I claim home office expenses for a day care facility?
Asked Monday, November 28, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A person who does not meet the exclusive use requirement because the use is for a day care facility will still qualify to deduct expenses as a home office. The day care must be for children, handicapped persons or persons 65 or older. You must have a license, certificate registration or other approval as a day care center under state law.
Are travel costs deductible from my home office?
Asked Monday, November 14, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If your home office is your principal place of business, you can deduct travel costs between the home office and the offices of your customers or clients.
Are there deductible commuting expenses?
Asked Monday, November 14, 2011 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The IRS allows 2 exceptions. If you are on a business trip out of town you may deduct taxi fares and other transportation costs from your hotel to your first business call and all other transportation costs between business calls. Also the additional costs of transporting tools to work are deductible.