Using your home as an office can provide valuable tax relief, but HMRC has strict rules on what expenses you can claim. This guide explains the methods, calculations, and record-keeping needed to ensure you claim correctly and avoid penalties.
Experience


HMRC allows you to claim expenses for the business use of your home, but only if it's necessary for your work. You can claim a proportion of household costs based on how much of your home is used for business and how often.
There are two main methods: the simplified flat rate, which offers a set amount per hour, or the actual costs method, where you calculate exact expenses. The flat rate is easier but may not maximize claims if your costs are high.
Experience
Experience
To claim tax relief, you need to know which household expenses are allowable. Here's a comprehensive list of what you might include, based on HMRC guidelines:
Heating and electricity costs – calculate the proportion used for business based on room size and hours.
Council tax – claim for the business use area, apportioned by time and space.
Mortgage interest or rent – for the part of your home designated as an office.
Internet and phone bills – the business portion if used for work calls, emails, or data.
Insurance premiums – for buildings and contents related to the home office space.
Repairs and maintenance – specific to the office area, like fixing a dedicated room.
Furniture and equipment – such as desks or chairs, but note capital allowances may apply.
Cleaning costs – for the office space only, not general household cleaning.
Water rates – if relevant to business use, though this is less common.
Security costs – if enhanced for the home office, like additional locks or alarms.
Experience

Experience

A frequent error is claiming too much or too little – overclaiming risks HMRC penalties, while underclaiming means missing legitimate tax relief. Also, mixing personal and business use without clear records can lead to disputes.
Keep detailed logs of business hours and space percentages. If your home office use is substantial or complex, such as for multiple businesses or high expenses, consulting with an accountant like DG Accountancy Ltd in Torquay can ensure accuracy and maximize your deductions safely.
Experience
Experience
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