Home Office Deduction Calculator
Working from home? The home office deduction is one of the most underused freelancer tax breaks. This calculator compares the simplified and regular methods to show which one saves you more.
Home Office Deduction Calculator
Estimate your deduction using the simplified or regular method
Simplified method: $5/sq ft up to 300 sq ft ($1,500 max). Regular method: actual expenses proportional to office space (rent/mortgage interest, utilities, insurance, repairs). Must use the space regularly and exclusively for business. Keep records of your home office measurements and expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simplified home office deduction?+
The simplified method gives you $5 per square foot of home office space, up to 300 sq ft (maximum $1,500). It's simple to calculate and requires no record-keeping of actual expenses. You can't deduct depreciation or home-related itemized deductions.
What is the regular home office deduction?+
The regular method deducts actual home expenses (rent/mortgage interest, utilities, insurance, repairs, depreciation) proportioned by your office square footage. If your office is 150 sq ft in a 1,000 sq ft home, you deduct 15% of qualifying expenses.
Which method saves more — simplified or regular?+
It depends on your home costs and office size. For most renters in high-cost areas, the regular method saves more. For homeowners with small offices in low-cost areas, simplified is easier. This calculator shows both side-by-side.
What is the simplified home office deduction?
The simplified method gives you $5 per square foot of home office space, up to 300 sq ft (maximum $1,500). It's simple to calculate and requires no record-keeping of actual expenses. You can't deduct depreciation or home-related itemized deductions.