Submitted By: Steve
Answered: September 17, 2013 8:30 am

I am self-employed and use one portion of my home as an office. My wife is also self-employed and uses a different part of the home as her office. Can we each claim a home office deduction?

Yes, assuming you each meet the eligibility tests for the home office deduction. Each of you would need to complete a separate Form 8829 and attach it to your separate Schedule Cs if you figure the deduction for 2013 using the actual expense method. Alternatively, if you each qualify for a home office deduction, both of you can use the new simplified method for your respective home offices, which is multiplying your square footage (up to 300 square feet) by $5.

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Tax Glossary

Private letter ruling

A written determination issued to a taxpayer by the IRS that interprets and applies the tax laws to the taxpayer’s specific set of facts. A letter ruling advises the taxpayer regarding the tax treatment that can be expected from the IRS in the circumstances specified by the ruling. It may not be used or cited as precedent by another taxpayer.

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