Find the money you can keep
Business premises and office space
Every room you work from can save you tax. Pick the right space for your stage, then claim back what the law allows.
Your four choices, cheapest first
A room at home
Lowest cost
Saves you: Claim a share of heating, power and internet. Flat rate options make it simple.
Watch out: Using a room only for business can affect capital gains relief on your home in some countries. Check your mortgage or lease allows it.
Hot desk or coworking
Low monthly fee
Saves you: Fully tax deductible as a business cost. Gives you a business address and meeting space.
Watch out: Little privacy. Fees rise for fixed desks and meeting rooms.
Serviced office
Medium
Saves you: One bill covers rent, rates, bills and cleaning, all claimable. Short contracts.
Watch out: Higher price per square metre than a normal lease.
Leased office, shop or unit
Highest
Saves you: Rent and running costs are deductible. Small business rate relief may cut rates to zero in the UK.
Watch out: Long leases, deposits, repairs and personal guarantees. Get the lease checked before signing.
What you can claim, by country
🇬🇧 UK
Working from home allowance or a share of actual costs. Small Business Rate Relief on premises.
🇺🇸 US
Home office deduction, simplified method or actual expenses, for space used regularly and only for business.
🇦🇺 AU
Fixed rate or actual cost method for working from home. Rent on business premises is deductible.
🇨🇦 CA
Business use of home expenses if it is your main place of business or used only to earn income and meet clients.
🇳🇿 NZ
Claim a share of home costs by floor area or the square metre rate. Commercial rent is deductible.
Before you sign a lease
- Work out the total yearly cost: rent, rates, service charge, bills, insurance.
- Ask for a rent-free period and a break clause.
- Avoid a personal guarantee if you trade through a company.
- Keep every receipt so the full cost comes off your tax bill.
