Deductions For Self Employed Artist

[bahearn81]

What is the name of your state? New York

Hello,

I'm self employed, working out of my apartment as a freelance 3d artist. I have a seperate room I use soley as an office for my business and want to be able to include rent and electricity bills as deductions. What do I need to bring in with me to my HR Block for this? Do I need to get a receipt from my landlord that states I pay rent here? For my Time Warner Cable bills can I bring in the statements? Am I leaving anything out?

Thank you,
-Brian

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by bahearn81

What is the name of your state? New York

Hello,

I'm self employed, working out of my apartment as a freelance 3d artist. I have a seperate room I use soley as an office for my business and want to be able to include rent and electricity bills as deductions. What do I need to bring in with me to my HR Block for this? Do I need to get a receipt from my landlord that states I pay rent here? For my Time Warner Cable bills can I bring in the statements? Am I leaving anything out?

Thank you,
-Brian

You add up your utility costs for the year. You figure out the square footage of the room as a percentage of the entire apartment (example the apartment is 800 sq ft and the room is 160 square feet, so its 20%) You multiply your total utility costs by the square footage...and that's your deductible expense.

[bahearn81]

Thank you that's very helpful. I was wondering, is rent money included under utility costs? Or is it just electriciy, phone, cable etc.

Thanks again

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by bahearn81

Thank you that's very helpful. I was wondering, is rent money included under utility costs? Or is it just electriciy, phone, cable etc.

Thanks again

You could include the rent as well.