One of the deductions we find missing on may tax returns prepared by other accountants is the home office expense.
You can deduct expenses for the business use of a work space in your home, as long as you meet one of the following conditions:
- it is your principal place of business; or
- you use the space only to earn your business income, and you use it on a regular and ongoing basis to meet your clients, customers, or patients.
You can deduct part of your maintenance costs such as heat, home insurance, electricity, and cleaning materials. You can also deduct part of your property taxes, mortgage interest, and CCA. To calculate the part you can deduct, use a reasonable basis such as the area of the work space divided by the total area of your home.
For more information, see CRA’s page on this deduction.