I would like an expert opinion, if possible. Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control, I had to file last year's taxes late. Just last week I realized that I could have taken advantage of the simplified home office deduction. On the IRS' website, the answer to Question #4 in the FAQs regarding the process for electing to use the simplified method states "You elect to use the simplified method by claiming the amount of deductible expenses allowed under the simplified method on your timely filed, original federal income tax return for the taxable year." I have several questions.
1) I am interpreting this FAQ response to mean I am not able to amend my tax return to elect the simplified home office deduction since I filed late? Is so, and I still want to claim home office deduction, can I amend and elect the standard method?
2) Can I take the home office deduction if it only applies to the last two months of the year?
4MyInfo
