I use my home for my business. Am I allowed to take a deduction for that?
Yes, if you qualify, you can claim the deduction whether you rent or own your home. You may use either the simplified or the regular method to claim your deduction.
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Regular and exclusive use
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Whichever calculation method you choose, you must use a part of your home regularly and exclusively for business purposes. This rule is not flexible. The part of your home used for business must also be:
Your principal place of business or ...
A place where you meet clients or customers in the normal course of business or ...
A separate structure not attached to your home. Examples could include a garage or a studio.
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Calculating the deduction - 2 options
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Simplified method - If you use the simplified option, multiply the allowable square footage of your office by $5. The maximum allowed using this option is $1,500 (300 square feet). This option will make it easier for you to keep records. Important: Using this option does not change the rules for claiming a home office deduction.
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Regular method - This method includes certain costs that you paid for your home. For example, if you rent your home, part of the rent you paid may qualify. If you own your home, part of the mortgage interest, taxes and utilities you paid may qualify. The amount you can deduct usually depends on the percentage of your home used for business.
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Deduction limit - If your gross income from the business use of your home is less than your expenses, the deduction may be limited.
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IRS resource
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