Understanding Business Use of Home Deductions
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows homeowners to deduct certain expenses related to the business use of their homes. These deductions can help reduce taxable income and lower tax liability. However, there are specific requirements that must be met to qualify for these deductions.
Qualifying for a Home Office Deduction
To qualify for a home office deduction, the taxpayer must exclusively and regularly use a specific portion of their home for business purposes. This means that the space cannot be used for personal activities. Additionally, the home office must be the taxpayer’s principal place of business or a place where they regularly meet with clients or customers.
Garage as a Separate Structure
In some cases, a garage can qualify as a separate structure for business use deductions. This is true if the garage is detached from the main house and is used exclusively and regularly for business purposes. The garage does not need to be the taxpayer’s principal place of business or a place where they meet with clients or customers.
Exclusive and Regular Use
The key requirement for deducting expenses related to a garage or any other part of the home is that the space must be used exclusively and regularly for business purposes. Occasional or incidental business use does not qualify. The taxpayer must demonstrate that the space is used primarily for business activities.
Calculating the Deduction
The amount of the deduction for business use of the home is based on the percentage of the home that is used for business. This percentage is used to calculate the deductible portion of expenses such as mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, depreciation, and repairs.
Simplified Option
The IRS offers a simplified option for calculating the home office deduction. This option allows taxpayers to deduct a flat rate of $5 per square foot of the business-use portion of their home, up to a maximum of 300 square feet. This simplified method can be used regardless of whether the home office is the taxpayer’s principal place of business.
Whether or not a garage can be deducted as a business expense depends on the specific circumstances of the taxpayer’s situation. To qualify for the deduction, the garage must be used exclusively and regularly for business purposes, and it must meet the requirements for a separate structure or a home office. Taxpayers should carefully consider the requirements and consult with a tax professional if necessary to determine if they qualify for a home office deduction.
How Do I Claim Garage Space as part of my Home Office Deduction?
FAQ
Can I write-off me outbuilding build as a business expense?
Does garage count as square footage for home office deduction?
Can I write-off a storage shed for my business?
Can you write-off home improvements as a business expense?
Can I deduct a business space from a garage?
You’ll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert. Yes, absolutely, if you have designated space inside the garage for your business. You can add the square footage of the garage to the total square footage of the home, then take the deduction for the dedicated business space.
Can I deduct home office space if I have a business?
You can deduct these expenses at 100% because they are only related to your business. Indirect expenses are those paid for running your home which can be deducted based on the percentage of the home used for business (see “Calculating Your Home Office Space Deduction”).
Is a detached garage a tax write-off?
The business use of a detached garage, shed, studio, barn, or similar structure is a tax write-off that requires you use the structure exclusively and regularly for business. Unlike a home office, it doesn’t have to be your primary place of business.
Can I deduct business expenses if I run a business from home?
When you operate a business from home you save not only the expense of renting an office, but also tax dollars. Provided you meet specific requirements, you can deduct at least a portion of the cost of utilities, rent, depreciation, home insurance, and repairs in addition to your regular business expenses.