[Hidden-tech] home office deduction question

[Lynne Rudié]

I've taken a home office deduction for a long time and I can't imagine  
why it wouldn't be worth it. The paperwork always seems like it is  
disproportionally complicated for what I do, but my accountant takes  
care of it, and it makes a big difference in my tax bill. For me, it's  
my only office, which makes it a little simpler (I don't know if you  
want to deduct part of your house as your only office, or as a second  
work space).
	There are some requirements for the space to quality as deductible.  
This is all only relevant if you ever get audited, of course, but I  
think that the rules change from time to time so you should check out  
the info pamphlets on the irs website. I know that the space has to be  
used only for work purposes --  you can't, for example, deduct part of  
your guest room if you have a desk and a computer in there.
	It sounds to me as though you need an accountant who will do a better  
job of explaining what she thinks you need to know. But in the  
meantime, maybe call a realtor and pick their brains about the value  
of a home office in your specific area. It seems like it would be a  
selling feature because I see it listed as an asset in real estate ads  
for houses. It was one of the things I looked for when I bought my  
current house.
	Lynne

Lynne Rudié
Graphic Design
413.863.9406
413.834.0889 (c)
lynnerudie at verizon.net

On Apr 30, 2012, at 12:03 PM, tom's gmail wrote:

>   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's  
> area.
>   ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
> Hi fellow work-at-homeers,
>
> Is there a down-side to claiming a home office space as a tax  
> deduction?
>
> Specifically wondering how it affects the value of our home over time?
>
> our accountant has suggested that it's not always a good idea... but  
> we can't figure out her reasoning & she'll charge us more for giving  
> us a clearer answer...
>
> any info would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tom Adams
> 413.575.9707 • Williamsburg, MA
> (from my virtual office/iPhone)
>
> Director/Owner:
> www.ReelifeProductions.com &
> http://Folktography.zenfolio.com
> http://me.com/ReelifeProductions
>
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