If you own a home business and do your work on the kitchen table, sorry, you probably cant take any deductions.  They IRS is very specific as to what constitutes a home office.  There are three words you need to remember:  exclusive, regular, and principal.

Exclusive - The part of your home used for business must be exclusively for business.  Example:  You run a a home business from a spare bedroom.  And you also email your PTA committee, share the office space with a spouse and sometimes catch up on your favorite show from that bedroom.  Because the room isn't used exclusively for business, you won't be able to write it off.

Regular - The part of your home used for business must be used on a regular basis.  Example:  You rent and office or studio downtown.  Once in a while you bring home a client to view samples.  This does not constitute regular use of the room.

Principal  - Your home office, studio, or workshop must be your principal place of business.  Example:  You have a dog-walking business.  But you've dedicated your den just for bookkeeping for your business.  You can write off this space even though most of your business occurs at parks and fire hydrants.  :)

I hope these tips were helpful! 

The Moore Team

480-545-1043

www.tonymoore.com

 

4 Comments on When Can You Write Off Your Home Office?

JUN
18
2007
383,678 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Good Post. I would only recommend  that you put a caveat into the post that might read something like this.

The above examples are very general guidlines. They do not constitute advice. Any question you have regarding particular tax or legal issues should be directed to other legal and accounting professionals.

Sincerely,
William

11:44am • #1

William -  Very good advice, I will edit this post ASAP

11:59am • #2
JAN
29
2008
Can I write off a home office in my house if I am a realtor who is working for a broker?  I don't use his office a tall.  All my business was based from my house.  If so, what can I write off?
Bruce
5:20pm • #3
157,541 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I have wondered about home office deductions since we as realtors are required to work under the supervision of a broker and we can not meet clients at our home.  Is there a recapture when you sell the home since the office was used for business?
5:32pm • #4

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The Moore Team

Gilbert, AZ

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Keller Williams Integrity First Realty

Address: 2500 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ, 85209

Office Phone: (480) 545-1043

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