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Working from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak? It Probably Won't Save You Much on Your Taxes
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Even if you always hire a tax preparer to do your taxes for you, you probably know that the most effective way of reducing your tax liability is through deductions and tax credits. Since one of the biggest deductions available is the one taken for home office space, in this strange and disorienting period of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers who’ve been told to work from home are wondering whether they’ll be eligible for that additional tax benefit. Unfortunately, the short answer to that question is probably “no.” Here’s why: Millions of Americans have been asked to work from home as a result of Coronavirus and the need for social distancing. Though you may have rearranged your home in order to provide yourself with a dedicated space and workable environment, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to write off the cost on your 2020 taxes, and that’s because there are specific criteria for qualifying for that credit, and being home from your job temporarily doesn’t rise to those requirements. If you want to check yourself against the IRS rules, read the rules below for claiming the home office deduction: You must have an area of your home that is set aside for work, and only for work. People who qualify will have an office, pantry, small closet, sunroom, garage or other space that is used exclusively as workspace. Sitting at your kitchen island or setting up a desk in your bedroom does not qualify. The area cannot be used for any other purpose. You must be self-employed. Though there was a time when employees who worked at home were able to take the credit, that went away with passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. When that law was enacted, it eliminated employees’ ability to take deductions for miscellaneous itemized deductions – which is exactly the way that people who aren’t self-employed were able to deduct the costs of working from home. With the elimination of that ability, it makes no difference whether an employee is home temporarily because of the virus or has always worked from home, the deduction is not available. If, based upon the criteria above, you do qualify for the home office deduction, there are a couple of ways to go about it. One is to use the
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Tax and Financial Insights
by NR CPAs & Business Advisors
2026 IRS Mileage Rates: Key Updates and Insights
The IRS has rolled out the inflation-adjusted mileage rates for 2026, offering taxpayers an efficient way to claim deductions for vehicle-related expenses incurred for business, charity, medical, or moving purposes. These adjustments reflect the continued economic shifts impacting car operation costs.
Effective January 1, 2026, the new standard mileage rates are established as follows:
- Business Travel: Increased to 72.5 cents per mile, inclusive of a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation. This marks a rise from the 70 cents per mile rate set for 2025
- Medical/Moving Purposes: Reduced slightly to 20.5 cents per mile, down from 21 cents in the previous year, reflecting the variable cost considerations.
- Charitable Contributions: Consistent at 14 cents per mile, a fixed rate unchanged for over a quarter-century.
As is typical, the business mileage rate considers the integral fixed and variable costs of automobile operation. Meanwhile, the medical and moving rates remain contingent on variable expenses as determined by the IRS study.
It is critical to note that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) held firm on disallowing moving expense deductions except for specific cases within the Armed Forces and intelligence community, marking a substantial shift since 2017.
When engaging in charitable work, taxpayers might opt for a direct expense deduction over the per-mile method, covering gas and oil costs. However, comprehensive upkeep and insurance costs are non-deductible expenses.
Business Vehicle Use Considerations: Taxpayers can alternatively compute vehicle expenses using actual costs, which might benefit from shifting depreciation rules, particularly through bonuses and first-year advantages. Keep in mind, however, reverting from actual cost calculations to standard rates in subsequent years is restricted, particularly per vehicle protocol and when exceeding four vehicles in concurrent use.
Additionally, parking, tolls, and property taxes attributable to business can be deducted independently of the general rate, an often-overlooked advantage by many business owners.
Tax Strategies for Employers and Employees: Reimbursements based on the standard mileage framework, providing the right documentation is in place, remain tax-free for employees. Meanwhile, the elimination and continued prohibition of unreimbursed employee deductions continue, with particular exceptions offered to qualified personnel across specific occupations.
Opportunities for Self-employed Individuals: Entrepreneurs remain eligible for deductions on business-related vehicle use via Schedule C, with potential to account for business-use interest on auto loans.
Heavy SUVs and Deduction Advantages: Heavier vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds but under 14,000 pounds open opportunities for substantial tax deductions through Section 179 and bonus depreciation avenues. The lifecycle of such a vehicle bears implications on recapturing initially claimed deductions, urging cautious tax planning.
For professional guidance on optimizing your vehicle-related tax deductions and understanding their implications on tax strategies, contact our office in Coral Gables, Florida, where expert advice and strategic insights are just a call away.
Educator's Deduction Reform: Key Changes Under OBBBA
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant enhancements for educators' tax deductions starting in 2026, offering both strategic opportunities and planning considerations for educators who qualify. With the reinstated itemized deduction for qualified unreimbursed expenses, educators have a broader spectrum of financial relief. This is complemented by the retention of the $350 above-the-line deduction, allowing educators to maximize their tax benefits by selectively allocating expenses between these avenues.
Understanding the nuances of these changes is crucial for educators and financial advisors alike. The dual-option deduction strategy can potentially enhance tax efficiency, thereby aligning with broader financial planning goals.
At NR CPAs & Business Advisors, based in Coral Gables, Florida, our expertise in tax preparation and planning provides invaluable support to educators navigating these changes. Our comprehensive approach, combined with personalized advice from our experienced team, ensures compliance and optimization in line with the latest tax legislations.
Given these updates, it is imperative to engage with seasoned professionals to fully leverage your deduction strategies. Contact us today to streamline your tax planning under OBBBA's new guidelines and maximize your deductions for upcoming tax years.
