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A: You can claim a deduction for expenses related to the business use of your home if you qualify for the home office deduction. Deductible expenses factored into the home office deduction include:

• Rent or depreciation if you own your home
• Utilities
• Maintenance

Generally the portion of your home used for business is determined on a square footage basis (the ratio of your home office space to the total floor space in your home). So, for example, if you rent your home and use 25% of the space for business, you can deduct 25% of your rent. To qualify for a home office deduction you must use space in your home regularly and exclusively as your principal place of business or meet other tests. Your home office is considered your principal place of business it it's the place where you earn your money (e.g., freelance writing or business consulting) or where you conduct substantial managerial or administrative tasks of your business for which there is no other fixed location (e.g., scheduling appointments, ordering supplies, and keeping your books). For more details see IRS Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home, at www.irs.gov.