Rent Office Space But Receive Mail At My Home... Deduction?

Question

I am self employed and will be leasing a small office starting next month. I'll be working there about 4 days a week and at home the remainder of the time. I would rather get my business mail at home. Do I have to receive all of my business mail at my rented office in order to claim the deduction for the rent expense?

Answer 1

No, your mailing address has nothing to do with it. Keep all your rental receipts and a copy of your lease agreement in case you get audited.

Answer 2

The place that you receive mail has nothing at all to do with the rent being deductible.  Keep any record you may obtain that shows that you are using the space for business purposes and your rent receipts.  If you have a lease or rental agreement you should keep those also.

Answer 3

Where you receive your mail is irrelevant.  You can claim the rent on the office if the office is used only for your business.  Also, if you use any part of your home regularly and exclusively for business, you can claim a home office deduction.

Answer 4

No, you can get your mail at home and still take the office rent as an expense.