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
Learn if two people, including roommates can claim head of household with help from the tax experts at H&R Block.
Looking for more information about your South Carolina refund? Find out details on how to check your refund status, who to contact, and more from H&R Block.
Find out if you’re eligible for a resident credit after paying taxes to another state with the experts at H&R Block.
Accidentally filed as head of household, but a different status doesn’t change your refund. Do you need to amend your filing status? Learn more at H&R Block.