Like many Americans, you probably worked from home at some point during 2020 due to the pandemic. If you’re wondering if you can deduct business related expenses because you worked from home, the answer depends on your employment status.

If you’re an employee, you do not qualify for this deduction. Only business owners and self-employed filers will qualify for this (e.g., Schedule C sole proprietors).

• For some taxpayers, a deduction may be available for a so-called “Office-In-The-Home”
• However, if you an employee and are working from home due to the pandemic (or any other reason), you are not allowed to deduct any office-in-the-home expenses
• If you use part of your home for business, you may be able to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. The home office deduction is available for homeowners and renters, and applies to all types of homes.

To learn more about who qualifies for self-employed expenses, visit IRS.gov.

Source: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/home-office-deduction