Can I deduct building or land rental expenses if I use my home to operate the business?

[valarie-brothern]

I am a renter and I operate my business from my home. Can I use my rent a a building or land rental expense?

[SharonD007]

It depends, If you are self-employed and asking if you are able to deduct your rental expenses, you may be able to claim the home office deduction (which is where you would be able to deduct a portion of your housing related expenses - rent and utilities).  You must meet both of the following conditions to claim your office as a self-employed business expense:

• Used regularly and exclusively for your business, and
• Is your principal place of business.

TurboTax will ask questions to determine if you are able to claim the deduction and how much you can take.  You will need to know the square footage of your home and the square footage of your office.

Please review the TurboTax article Where do I enter the home office deduction for my business? for instructions on adding your home office.

[leeloo]

While you generally can deduct a portion of your rent for your qualified home office, the IRS has stricter rules regarding the land.  Tax Topic 509 states: Deductible expenses for business use of your home include the business portion of real estate taxes, mortgage interest, rent, casualty losses, utilities, insurance, depreciation, maintenance, and repairs. In general, you may not deduct expenses for the parts of your home not used for business, for example, lawn care or painting a room not used for business.

However, if you have a lawn-care or landscaping business, this is a direct part of your business. Also see this answer:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-credits-deductions/discussion/i-have-a-home-office-can-i-inclu...