I operate an in-home business. What business documents do I need to claim business expenses?
To claim business expenses you will need to provide related business documents including receipts for all of the business expenses you want to deduct. Your documents should show:
- Amount
- Date
- Place
- Essential character of the expense
The documents can include:
- Receipts
- Cancelled checks
- An account book
- Customer account book
- Expense report
- Accounting log
- A diary
- Calendar
- Other record that duplicates information shown on a receipt kept at or near the time of the expense
After you file, you should keep these business documents with a copy of your tax return.
For the business use of your home, you’ll allocate the home office expenses. This is based on the percentage of the square footage of your home used regularly and exclusively for business.
Expenses you might incur when running a business from your home include:
- Real estate taxes
- Qualified mortgage insurance premiums
- Deductible mortgage interest
- Casualty losses
- Depreciation
- Insurance
- Rent
- Repairs
- Security system
- Utilities and services
Related Resources
Virtual tax preparations let you complete your taxes online from the comfort of your home. Find out how easy remote tax preparations can be at H&R Block.
Tax preparers can have various designation and specialties. Learn how different types of tax preparers at H&R Block can help you in person or virtually.
What’s the difference between an enrolled agent (EA) vs. a certified public accountant (CPA)? Explore the roles of EAs and CPAs at H&R Block.
What does it mean to be an enrolled agent? Learn more about the roles and requirements of enrolled agent (EA) tax preparers at H&R Block.