I closed a home-based business in 2017 that had no income for the year. Can I claim expenses (home office, internet, telephone, etc.) that were incurred in 2017?

[rloggins]

The business had income and expenses in prior years.  

[AmandaR1 · Accepted solution]

Income is not required, but being available to take payment, work and receive payment is required, to deduct expenses. All that determines if you can deduct expenses, is if your business was still operating.  If so, yes, you can claim home office, internet, telephone and all qualified business expenses, as in your past years.