What does this calculator estimate?

It compares the IRS simplified method with an actual-expense estimate so you can see which approach produces the larger planning deduction.

Do I have to use the space exclusively for business?

Exclusive and regular use are generally required for the home-office deduction. If the space is also used for personal activities, the deduction may not qualify.

Can renters use this calculator?

Yes. Renters can enter their allocable home expenses and direct office expenses to estimate the deductible portion of a dedicated workspace.

What is included in the simplified method?

The simplified method uses $5 per square foot up to 300 square feet, and direct office expenses can still be considered separately.

Is the deduction limited by business income?

Yes. This estimate caps the deduction at the business income you entered before the home-office deduction, which helps avoid unrealistic outputs.

Home Office Deduction Calculator

Home office workspace illustration with desk, floor plan, and comparison cards. — Visual note: a dedicated workspace can change the deduction math more than the furniture does.

Home Office Planning Without Guesswork

This page compares the IRS simplified method with a rough actual-expense estimate for a dedicated workspace. It is useful when you want a quick planning answer before sorting through the full stack of home bills and receipts.

If you already ran the freelance calculator, the business-income field can reuse the last net business income automatically so both tools stay aligned on the same earnings picture.

Home Office Deduction Calculator

Compare simplified and actual-expense methods for a dedicated workspace.

Office Square Footage

Total Home Square Footage

Annual Home Expenses (USD)

Direct Office Expenses (USD)

Annual Depreciation (USD)

Business Income Before Home Office Deduction (USD)

Tip: if you already ran the freelance calculator, this field can reuse the net business income from that run.

The space is used exclusively for business

Exclusive use is one of the baseline home-office tests.

The space is used regularly for business

If the room is mixed-use or occasional, the deduction can get weaker fast.

Deduction Projection

Submit inputs to compare the simplified and actual-expense methods.

Home Office FAQ

What does this calculator estimate?: It compares the IRS simplified method with an actual-expense estimate so you can see which approach gives you the larger planning deduction.
Do I have to use the space exclusively for business?: Exclusive and regular use are generally required for the home-office deduction. If the space is also used for personal activities, the deduction may not qualify.
Can renters use this calculator?: Yes. Renters can enter their allocable home expenses and direct office expenses to estimate the deductible portion of a dedicated workspace.
What is included in the simplified method?: The simplified method uses $5 per square foot up to 300 square feet, and direct office expenses can still be considered separately.
Is the deduction limited by business income?: Yes. This estimate caps the deduction at the business income you entered before the home-office deduction, which helps avoid unrealistic outputs.

Compliance Notes

This calculator provides planning estimates only and is not tax advice.
Exclusive and regular use are important baseline tests for the home-office deduction.
Before filing, verify the final deduction rules with IRS guidance or a licensed tax professional.