taxes - home deduction

[Dennis Johnson]

It is correct that they are really cracking down on home deductions,
and that an office room for telephone calls does not qualify by itself.
However, if you do any shop or rebuilding work in a part of your home, or
store inventory parts in your home, this does qualify. It especially
qualifies if you have no other shop deduction away from your home. In that
case this portion of your home is the principle place of doing that part
of your business. It is not even required that this place NEVER be used
for non-business use, but it must be set aside for that purpose,
whatever that exactly means.

If you meet this qualification, I would worry too much as long as the
deduction is accurate and reasonable. On the other hand, those of you who
deduct both for an outside shop, away from home, and for a portion of
your home to do business, you have cause to be concerned.


Dennis Johnson
St. Olaf College