Use of home as office

Produced by a Tolley Personal Tax expert
Personal Tax
Guidance

Use of home as office

Produced by a Tolley Personal Tax expert
Personal Tax
Guidance
imgtext

Many people work from home either on an informal or a full-time basis. These people can be employed or self-employed, and their employment status affects the expenses they can claim as a deduction from their earnings.

When dealing with someone working from home, it is important to note that although exclusive business use of part of the house may mean that it is possible to claim tax relief for more of the household expenses, it will restrict capital gains tax (CGT) relief on the sale of the house. This is discussed further in the Principal private residence relief ― anti avoidance guidance note.

Normally, there will be no liability to business rates if the room(s) used for the business is also used domestically. If a significant proportion of the property is used exclusively, or almost exclusively, for business, then business rates may be payable. The council tax banding on the remainder of the property may also need adjustment. For more on business rates, see the GOV.UK website.

Self-employed

The general rule for allowing revenue

Continue reading the full document
To gain access to additional expert tax guidance, workflow tools, generative tax AI, and tax research, register for a free trial of Tolley+™
Powered by Tolley+
  • 25 Mar 2026 11:50

Popular Articles

Losses on shares set against income

Losses on shares set against incomeUsually, allowable capital losses can only be set against chargeable gains. If the losses are not fully utilised against gains in the year in which they arise, the excess is carried forward to use against future gains. See the Use of capital losses guidance note

14 Jul 2020 12:12 | Produced by Tolley Read more Read more

Foreign self-employment

Foreign self-employmentTrading in another jurisdiction involves many issues, only some of which involve taxation. Advice should be taken, not only in relation to tax but on the wider business implications. For an overview of the points to consider for certain jurisdictions see Tolley's Global

Read more Read more

Tax on UK resident beneficiaries of non-resident trusts ― overview

Tax on UK resident beneficiaries of non-resident trusts ― overviewIntroductionUK resident beneficiaries of non-resident trusts are subject to UK tax on payments or benefits received from the trust. They are liable for income tax on income distributions from the trust and they may also be liable to

14 Jul 2020 13:47 | Produced by Tolley Read more Read more