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September 9, 2024
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What is the proper way to depreciate expenses to turn garage into home office for an LLC? There were permanent changes made to a one car detached garage.

  • September 9, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views
Changes were installation of side door, split AC unit.  I use this office as a place to conduct business for a partner LLC
Best answer by Rick19744

This is going to be a difficult issue to address on a forum such as this, as there are way too many questions:

  • I haven't seen a definitive confirmation that this is a multi-member LLC (MMLLC)?
    • This does make the issue "murkier" as noted below.
  • What does the operating agreement say in the way of reimbursement for member expenses?
  • Exactly what "business" is handled at your "garage"?
  • Was the change a necessity?  No other option(s) before the change was done?  Or one of convenience?
  • Unless the MMLLC required the change / update, it's going to be difficult.
    • The garage is most likely not titled in the name of the LLC
    • You personally paid for the garage changes
    • Are you getting reimbursed for utilities? RE Tax (portion attributable to garage)?
  • Assuming the garage change was necessary and required, my recommendation is to have the LLC pay out a guaranteed payment; whether that's over time, in total, etc.  Certainly this will be subject to tax, but that could be grossed up.  I'm not sure I would be comfortable with any other method in light of minimal facts.
  • You may be best served to meet with a tax professional where you can have a one-on-one discussion with all the facts.  This forum is not really conducive for this type of discussion.

2 replies

Employee
September 10, 2024
No text available
September 10, 2024

Yes to both questions. Thanks!

Employee
September 10, 2024
No text available
Rick19744
Rick19744Answer
Employee
September 10, 2024

This is going to be a difficult issue to address on a forum such as this, as there are way too many questions:

  • I haven't seen a definitive confirmation that this is a multi-member LLC (MMLLC)?
    • This does make the issue "murkier" as noted below.
  • What does the operating agreement say in the way of reimbursement for member expenses?
  • Exactly what "business" is handled at your "garage"?
  • Was the change a necessity?  No other option(s) before the change was done?  Or one of convenience?
  • Unless the MMLLC required the change / update, it's going to be difficult.
    • The garage is most likely not titled in the name of the LLC
    • You personally paid for the garage changes
    • Are you getting reimbursed for utilities? RE Tax (portion attributable to garage)?
  • Assuming the garage change was necessary and required, my recommendation is to have the LLC pay out a guaranteed payment; whether that's over time, in total, etc.  Certainly this will be subject to tax, but that could be grossed up.  I'm not sure I would be comfortable with any other method in light of minimal facts.
  • You may be best served to meet with a tax professional where you can have a one-on-one discussion with all the facts.  This forum is not really conducive for this type of discussion.
*A reminder that posts in a forum such as this do not constitute tax advice.Also keep in mind the date of replies, as tax law changes.