Do I qualify for Work Related Expenses? How do I amend my return after the deadline?

Forum|Forum|1 month ago
April 25, 2026
1 reply
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I started working as an independent contractor for two jobs in 2025, one is WFH and the other is on site. I use my own office space in my apartment and my own computer, chair, equipment etc for the WFH job. I do not have my own business but instead just work under my own name. Can I add my home office space and the equipment I bought as a work related expense? If so, how do I fix this? I already filed my taxes using 1040.com and know I owe money but the IRS site still says “Your information is not available at this time”.

Best answer by Mike9241

Expert Reviewed

An independent contractor can deduct work-related expenses

you'll need to amend but you can't do it until the original return is fully processed. You do not need a business name. You can work under your own name. if the on-site and WFH are different in nature, you'll need to file two Schedule Cs. one for each and your expenses that do not strictly pertain to one or the other will need to be allocated on any reasonable basis.

home office has special rules

To qualify to deduct expenses for business use of your
home, you must use part of your home:
• Exclusively and regularly as your principal place of
business (see Principal Place of Business, later);
• Exclusively and regularly as a place where you meet
or deal with patients, clients, or customers in the nor
mal course of your trade or business;
• In the case of a separate structure that is not attached
to your home, in connection with your trade or business;
• On a regular basis for certain storage use (see Stor
age of inventory or product samples, later)

see IRS PUB 587 for clarification on these requirements

Business Use of Home

Mike9241

Answer

Level 15

Expert Reviewed

An independent contractor can deduct work-related expenses

you'll need to amend but you can't do it until the original return is fully processed. You do not need a business name. You can work under your own name. if the on-site and WFH are different in nature, you'll need to file two Schedule Cs. one for each and your expenses that do not strictly pertain to one or the other will need to be allocated on any reasonable basis.

home office has special rules

To qualify to deduct expenses for business use of your
home, you must use part of your home:
• Exclusively and regularly as your principal place of
business (see Principal Place of Business, later);
• Exclusively and regularly as a place where you meet
or deal with patients, clients, or customers in the nor
mal course of your trade or business;
• In the case of a separate structure that is not attached
to your home, in connection with your trade or business;
• On a regular basis for certain storage use (see Stor
age of inventory or product samples, later)

see IRS PUB 587 for clarification on these requirements

Business Use of Home

Mike9241