Compare the simplified method vs regular method. See which gives you a bigger deduction — and your actual tax savings.
The home office deduction applies to self-employed workers, freelancers, and business owners (Schedule C). Since 2018, W-2 employees cannot claim this deduction even if they work from home.
Your office must be used regularly and exclusively for business — no doubling as a guest room or hobby space.
The regular method requires more recordkeeping but typically yields a larger deduction for those with high rent or mortgage costs.