Ask a CPA

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 seperate structure with no personal use. Exclusive use means soley for business so spare bedrooms or use of a den have been challenged by the IRS.

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.

If you travel on business away from your home you can deduct the transportation and personal costs such as food lodging and incidentals. You must be away from home for more than a day.

The IRS publication that explains travel and entertainment expenses is Pub 463.

No. In general, costs of commuting between your home and workplace are not deductible. Costs for gas for

No. In general, costs of commuting between your home and workplace are not deductible. Costs for gas for

No. In general, costs of commuting between your home and workplace are not deductible. Costs for gas for your car, train, bus, tolls and parking fees are not deductible.

IRS publication 4636 deals with Travel, Entertainment and Car Expenses.

IRS publication 463 deals with Travel, Entertainment and Car Expenses.

Yes. The IRS has developed a web site to help small business and self-employed persons at www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html.