Can I include my home office workspace in my income tax return?
November 2, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Eiko Hoffmann
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Hildegard Seiler and I have been working from home since the beginning of the Corona pandemic. My employer has set up a designated workspace for me at home, where I complete my tasks. Now I am wondering if I can include this home office workspace in my income tax return.
I have always done my income tax return myself, but this year I feel uncertain as there have been some changes due to working from home. I work exclusively from home and use my designated workspace solely for work purposes. Can I claim the costs for my home office workspace on my taxes?
Furthermore, I am wondering if I can also include other expenses related to the home office in my income tax return. For example, I have purchased an ergonomic office chair and an adjustable desk to avoid health problems from prolonged sitting. Can I deduct these purchases on my taxes?
I am concerned that I may be missing out on tax benefits by not including my home office workspace in the income tax return. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could help me and provide possible solutions on how I can claim my expenses for the home office workspace on my taxes.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Seiler
Dear Hildegard Seiler,
thank you for your inquiry regarding the tax deductibility of your home office workspace in your income tax return. I would be happy to assist you and provide you with the relevant information and options.
In principle, it is possible to deduct the costs of a home office workspace for tax purposes. The requirement is that the workspace is set up in the apartment or house and is used exclusively or at least predominantly for professional purposes. Since you have a fixed workspace at home and use it exclusively for your professional tasks, you can declare the costs in your income tax return.
The costs you have incurred for setting up your home office workspace, such as for the ergonomic office chair and height-adjustable desk, can be deducted as business expenses under certain conditions. These purchases contribute to maintaining your health and enable you to work more efficiently. Therefore, you can declare the costs for these work tools as business expenses in your tax return.
It is important that you carefully document all expenses and costs for your home office workspace in order to accurately report them in your income tax return. This includes invoices for the purchase of the office chair and desk, as well as any other expenses for office supplies, phone and internet costs, or energy costs.
I recommend that you also contact your local tax office in addition to my advice to ensure that you submit all necessary documents and receipts and fill out the appropriate forms correctly.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have. Thank you for your trust and inquiry.
Sincerely,
Eiko Hoffmann
