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Deducting Commuting Expenses From Home Offices
Richard A. Chapo, Esq.

If you maintain an office in your home, you could be entitled to a tax break on your commuting expenses. Generally speaking, the cost of traveling between your residence and regular work location is not a deductible expense. If you have an office in your home, however, you may be able to deduct the cost of travel between your home and other work location regardless of the distance or whether your other work location is regular or temporary.

As with most tax deductions, there are qualifiers on this potential deductible expense. Simply put, you can only deduct these commuting expenses if your home office is your principal place of business. As a general statement, you will be able to claim these commuting expenses as a deduction if you meet the requirements applicable for deducting expenses of a home office.

If your home office is not your principal place of business, you cannot deduct the costs of your commuting expenses associated with traveling between your home and other work location. With so many home-based small businesses, it may be time to reconsider the location of your principal place of business.

As with more common work-related commuting expenses [traveling to a business meeting], you must document your auto expenses with records. You may deduct your mileage using the IRS issued rate per mile or use your actual expenses.

If you believe you may have been entitled to deduct your home office commuting expenses, please contact us. Many small business owners fail to claim this commuting expense deduction and are able to recover large tax refunds.

Small businesses struggle under significant tax burdens. Make sure you are claiming all available deductions.

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This article is intended to be a general commentary on tax issues. Each taxpayer's situation is unique and it is recommend that you speak with a tax professional regarding your particular situation. If you have additional questions, please contact us.