Tax Deductions for Telecommuting Employees

Equipment Purchases:
Record separately from other supplies the costs of business assets that are expected to last longer than one year and cost more than $100. Normally, the costs of such assets are recovered differently on your tax return than are other recurring, everyday business expenses like business cards, office supplies etc.

Telephone Expenses:
The basic local telephone service costs of the first telephone line provided in your residence are not deductible. However, toll calls from that line are deductible if the calls are business-related. The costs (basic fee and toll calls) of a second line in your home are also deductible if the line is used exclusively for business.

Professional Fees & Dues:
Dues paid to professional societies related to your profession are deductible. However, the cost of initial admission fees paid for membership in certain organizations or social clubs are considered capital expenses.

Supplies & Expenses:
Generally, to be deductible, items must be ordinary and necessary costs in your profession and not reimbursable by your employer.

Continuing Education:
Educational expenses can now be used for a variety of deductions and under certain circumstances qualify for tax credits. Care must be exercised in keeping the various expenses separated by type, since not all expenses are allowed for certain deductions and credits.

Auto Travel:
Your auto expense is based on the number of qualified business miles you drive. If you qualify for the home office deduction, your home becomes your primary business location, and you will not have any nondeductible commuting travel. Therefore, generally all of your business travel from home to other business locations and meetings will be deductible.

Document business miles in a record book as follows: (1) give the date and business purpose of each trip; (2) note the place to which you traveled; (3) record the number of business miles; and (4) record your car's odometer reading at both the beginning and end of the tax year. Keep receipts for all car operating expenses like gas, oil, repairs, insurance etc. and of any reimbursement you received for your expenses.

Home Office Deduction:
A home office that is part of a residence is deductible only if used regularly and exclusively as a principal place of business, or as a place to meet or deal with customers or clients in the ordinary course of business. Generally, telecommuting employees would meet the principal place of business test, i.e., the location where you spend the majority of your time performing your work activities. Additionally, telecommuting employees must meet the convenience of the employer test. That test is met if your employer asks you to work out of your home.

Out-of-Town Travel:
Expenses accrued when traveling away from home, overnight on job-related, and continuing education trips are deductible. Your home is generally considered to be the entire city or general area where your principal place of employment is located. Out-of-town expenses include transportation, meals, lodging, tips and miscellaneous items like laundry, valet etc.

Document away-from-home expenses by noting the date, destination and business purpose of your trip. Record business miles if you drove to the out-of-town location. In addition, keep a detailed record of your expenses lodging, public transportation, meals etc. Always list meals and lodging separately in your records. Receipts must be retained for each lodging expense. However, if any other business expense is less than $75, a receipt is not necessary if you record all of the information in a timely diary. You must keep track of the full amount of meal and entertainment expenses, even though only a portion of the amount may be deductible.