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New Member
posted Sep 9, 2024 4:22:16 PM

What is the proper way to depreciate expenses to turn garage into home office for an LLC? There were permanent changes made to a one car detached garage.

Changes were installation of side door, split AC unit.  I use this office as a place to conduct business for a partner LLC

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1 Best answer
Level 13
Sep 10, 2024 11:02:24 AM

This is going to be a difficult issue to address on a forum such as this, as there are way too many questions:

  • I haven't seen a definitive confirmation that this is a multi-member LLC (MMLLC)?
    • This does make the issue "murkier" as noted below.
  • What does the operating agreement say in the way of reimbursement for member expenses?
  • Exactly what "business" is handled at your "garage"?
  • Was the change a necessity?  No other option(s) before the change was done?  Or one of convenience?
  • Unless the MMLLC required the change / update, it's going to be difficult.
    • The garage is most likely not titled in the name of the LLC
    • You personally paid for the garage changes
    • Are you getting reimbursed for utilities? RE Tax (portion attributable to garage)?
  • Assuming the garage change was necessary and required, my recommendation is to have the LLC pay out a guaranteed payment; whether that's over time, in total, etc.  Certainly this will be subject to tax, but that could be grossed up.  I'm not sure I would be comfortable with any other method in light of minimal facts.
  • You may be best served to meet with a tax professional where you can have a one-on-one discussion with all the facts.  This forum is not really conducive for this type of discussion.

8 Replies
Level 15
Sep 10, 2024 5:31:23 AM

New Member
Sep 10, 2024 8:51:42 AM

Yes to both questions. Thanks!

Level 15
Sep 10, 2024 8:55:51 AM

New Member
Sep 10, 2024 9:15:50 AM

Ah ok, I believe I misled you to think that I am trying to take a deduction on my personal tax return. I am only looking to expense the improvements for the LLC. 

Level 15
Sep 10, 2024 9:28:35 AM

New Member
Sep 10, 2024 10:02:53 AM

No, it didn't. I paid for them from personal funds

Level 15
Sep 10, 2024 10:04:47 AM

Level 13
Sep 10, 2024 11:02:24 AM

This is going to be a difficult issue to address on a forum such as this, as there are way too many questions:

  • I haven't seen a definitive confirmation that this is a multi-member LLC (MMLLC)?
    • This does make the issue "murkier" as noted below.
  • What does the operating agreement say in the way of reimbursement for member expenses?
  • Exactly what "business" is handled at your "garage"?
  • Was the change a necessity?  No other option(s) before the change was done?  Or one of convenience?
  • Unless the MMLLC required the change / update, it's going to be difficult.
    • The garage is most likely not titled in the name of the LLC
    • You personally paid for the garage changes
    • Are you getting reimbursed for utilities? RE Tax (portion attributable to garage)?
  • Assuming the garage change was necessary and required, my recommendation is to have the LLC pay out a guaranteed payment; whether that's over time, in total, etc.  Certainly this will be subject to tax, but that could be grossed up.  I'm not sure I would be comfortable with any other method in light of minimal facts.
  • You may be best served to meet with a tax professional where you can have a one-on-one discussion with all the facts.  This forum is not really conducive for this type of discussion.