Eastside Maison

Spring 2021

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JannHuizenga / Getty Images I t's a logical question: Since most WFH warriors shell out of their own pocket for internet, printer ink, and equipment upgrades if their lap- top gives out, it's understandable to hope you can recoup some of these expenses by claiming the home office tax deduction on your taxes. But beware: the home office deduction has changed a lot over the years, so whether you can claim it will depend greatly on your circumstances. Here's more on ex- actly who can claim a home office tax deduction —and who can't—as well as how much certain people can save. For people who can't claim this deduction, we've found some clever tax deductions to bring up with your boss that could still save you money— for now, and going forward as long as your WFH life continues. Who can claim a home office tax deduction? Even though the name of this tax deduc- tion has the phrase "home office," this doesn't mean everyone who works from home can claim it. In a nutshell, the home office tax deduc- tion can be claimed only by self-employed individuals—meaning freelancers, small- business owners, and anyone who works for themselves. That said, these workers still must meet certain conditions. What qualifies as a home office? There are very strict rules on what consti- tutes a dedicated home office. To claim this deduction, you must use part of your home exclusively for business. That means an of- fice that doubles as your bedroom or an occasional guest room does not qualify.

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