I’m currently living at my parent’s house in the west coast, and work for a company that is based in the east coast. I use the desk on my bedroom to work full time (40 hrs/week) with the company provided laptop. We have no other space available for me to use for work. I pay a portion of rent and utilities to my parents monthly. Am I qualified to claim anything?
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I work out of my home, too. Yes, you can claim a percent of your rent but you should consult someone who can figure it for you, considering you use your bedroom. It’s easier for me because I own the house and I use a specific room for my office. I will warn you that home office deductions are among the top 10 items that send a red flag to the IRS, so make sure you document everything.
Theoretically you qualify. If the desk makes up 1/3rd of your bedroom, then part of your rent qualifies.
The problem is, you are paying rent for use of the whole house, not just this bedroom…are your parents even claiming the rent on their tax return?
Publication 587.
Do you use that desk for anything other than work? Like personal internet access, or writing your personal bills, or anything else? If you do, then no you can’t take a home office deduction.
If you use the space for anything other than work at any time at all then you cannot use a home office deduction. You can, however, still deduct any supplies or expenses directly related to earning the income. Home office deductions are automatic audits.