Adding home office assets for a second Schedule C business

[jessicalk]

I'm trying to add home office assets for a second Schedule C business.  The Home office asset summary screen will not allow me to create new assets.  The simplified deduction is not checked.  This home office is named differently from the one claimed on the first Schedule C, which has been operating for a few years (ruling out a naming issue with the software).  The software is not calculating depreciation -- this seems like a glitch.  The expense is well under the limit on line 8 of form 8829. 

I've tried logging out and in, deleting cookies & cache.

This is TurboTax "Do it yourself Premium."

[DianeW777]

If you would like to send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information it would help.  If you would like to do this, here are the instructions:  (Don't forget to give us the state)

TurboTax Online:

Open your return -Go to the menu panel on the left side of your return and select Tax Tools. 

1. Then select Tools below Tax Tools.
2. A window will pop up which says Tools Center.  
3. On this screen, select Share my file with Agent.
4. You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is.  Click okay through this screen and then you will get a Token number.
5. Reply to this thread with your Token number and your state. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.

TurboTax Desktop:

If you like, you can send a copy of your return that will be scrubbed to eliminate your personal data by using these steps:

1. Click on Online in the top left menu of TurboTax Desktop for Windows
2. Select 'Send Tax File to Agent'* > Follow the prompts to reach the token number.
   • Enter your email used for TurboTax > Enter your code > Send
3. Write down or send an image of your token number and state then place in this issue.
4. We can then review your exact scenario for a solution.
5. Please also tell us any states included in the return. This is necessary for us to view the return.
   • *If using a MAC, go to the menu at the top of the screen, select Help, then, 'Send Tax File to Agent')

We will be able to see exactly what you are seeing and we can determine what exactly is going on in your return to provide you with a resolution.

[jessicalk]

Token number: 1347424

State: Hawaii

Thank you!

[DianeW777]

There are a couple of questions that are noted in the review and explanations below.

Business Number One: Home Office Expense Screens

1. There is not an answer to the question 'Did [business owner] live in the same home all 12 months?' (I marked Yes)
2. On the screen 'We just need a little more info about [business owner] home office' there is a question 'Did [business owner] use this home office for only this business, and no other businesses?' The answer here is 'Yes' and should be 'No'.
3. On the screen 'Does [business owner] use space in this home to store inventory or product' there is no answer which is required - Yes
4. Continue through the expenses until you reach the screen 'Home Office Asset Summary'. 

Business Number Two: Home Office Expense Screens

1. On the screen 'Do any of these apply to [business owner] home office?' Selection is 'This home office is a separate structure'
2. There is not an answer to the question 'Did [business owner] live in the same home all 12 months?' (I marked Yes)
3. On the screen 'We just need a little more info about [business owner] home office' there is a question 'Did [business owner] use this home office for only this business, and no other businesses?' The answer here is 'Yes'.
4. On the screen 'Does [business owner] use space in this home to store inventory or product' there is no answer which is required - Yes
5. Did any of these situations apply to your home office in 2025? Select 'None of these apply'
6. If you answer the question No to the following question you will not be able to enter your asset in the second business:
   1. Was this home office the primary place where you work?
   2. Since you entered 35% of time used for business, I assume you answered this question 'No'. If so, the depreciation of home or additional assets does not come up.
7. Continue through the expenses until you reach the screen 'Home Office Asset Summary'. Select 'Add an Asset' to enter an asset for this second business.

Please update with additional details if you have more questions and we will help.

[jessicalk]

Thank you so much for looking into this!

This was the clue I needed:

1. If you answer the question No to the following question you will not be able to enter your asset in the second business:
   1. Was this home office the primary place where you work?
   2. Since you entered 35% of time used for business, I assume you answered this question 'No'. If so, the depreciation of home or additional assets does not come up.

I appreciate your help!