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Employee
February 12, 2025
Solved

Depreciation

  • February 12, 2025
  • 3 replies
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I am an independent contractor. I just had a  main shut off value installed. I was told that I can deduct the cost on form 8829. Does this have to be depreciated or can I take the safe harbor rule

Best answer by PatriciaV

Yes, you can claim this home improvement as an additional asset for depreciation on your Home Office deduction. The Safe Harbor Election is not available for this asset because your home is not used 100% for your business. The depreciation expense you can claim is based on the percentage of business use that you entered for the Home Office. 

 

Since this is part of your residence, the recovery period is 39 years on a straight-line basis. This means the portion of the cost allocated to the Home Office will be divided by 39 and the same amount will be reported each year.

 

@stewart-2019 

3 replies

KrisD15
February 12, 2025

To clarify, was this a repair on your home and you also claim a home office? 

What method do you use for the home office, Actual/Regular or Simplified ?

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Employee
February 12, 2025

I take the home office tax deduction and I use the actual expenses

February 12, 2025

Is this a water turn-off?  Is using water part of your business or home office?

Employee
February 12, 2025

Yes I am an independent contractor and I take the home office tax deduction

PatriciaV
PatriciaVAnswer
Employee
February 13, 2025

Yes, you can claim this home improvement as an additional asset for depreciation on your Home Office deduction. The Safe Harbor Election is not available for this asset because your home is not used 100% for your business. The depreciation expense you can claim is based on the percentage of business use that you entered for the Home Office. 

 

Since this is part of your residence, the recovery period is 39 years on a straight-line basis. This means the portion of the cost allocated to the Home Office will be divided by 39 and the same amount will be reported each year.

 

@stewart-2019 

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Employee
February 12, 2025

It is the main shut off value to the entire house