Important information regarding occupancy expenses
If your home office or workspace is also a "place of business" there may be additional occupancy expenses you can claim.
For Business Owners, including sole traders, the following factors indicate that the area has the character of a "place of business" (according to ATO guidelines):
- Clearly identifiable as a place of business, for example, you have a sign identifying your business at the front of your house
- Not readily suitable or adaptable for private or domestic purposes
- Used exclusively or almost exclusively for carrying on your business
- Used regularly for visits by your clients.
For example, a home hair salon business that is in the home but separate from the family living areas and has a dedicated entry for clients.
If you have an area of your home set aside as a place of business, you may have to pay tax on any capital gains you make when you sell your home. This applies even if you didn't claim a deduction for mortgage interest as an occupancy expense.