Ask Linda the Expert
I want to apply for approval to telework a few days a week. The only room in our home that I can see setting up a home office in is the family room. The room is obviously used for other purposes, and already contains a tv for the kids and another computer, for family use. It will be a bit crowded, but I will keep it clean and usually only work there during the telework day - when the house is empty. I am getting some flack from my family about the idea of taking over their den but am also anxious about telling my boss where my office, computer and files will be located as I am afraid he will say NO. What are my next steps?
Answer:
Your instincts concerning your boss's possible reaction are quite sound and there is no need to second-guess your family's reaction as they have already weighed in. There is no substitute for a workspace in which you can retire to work, away from activity and distractions. Although you personally may be willing and able to put up with such a loose arrangement, because it seems easier than trying to find another work space in the house, your boss will probably not support the "den as home office concept", and for good reason. It is probable that anyone's levels of productivity would decline in such a workspace and no levelheaded boss wants to set up any employee for failure. And, in truth, you deserve better. You are contributing to financial resources of your family and if working from home frees up commute time, it benefits your family. One option is to invest in an "all-in-one open and shut " furniture unit which acts as an office when it is opened and a secured space when closed. Alternatively, find yourself a space in the house that can be secured from the noise and traffic of the household and set it up like you mean business, even if you have to double up a few of the kids or set up a small nook in your master bedroom. For some help with home office set ups, review the TCI Design kit on this site. Don't risk a no to your application now or a bad performance review in the future. Invest in the office you deserve - working from home is worth it.
I am just about to complete my tax forms for this year. I am employed by a company that allows me to telework. In the past my employer has given me a T-2200 form indicating that I use my home as an office so I can write off some expenses. But just this year, my wife started a home-based business and she also uses the house as her office. Which of us should claim the home office as a deduction, or can we both, (I hope) claim it?
Answer:
The short answer is yes, you can both claim a portion of the home on your tax returns. You and your wife share the home space but you both have separate jobs and file separate tax returns. When your company issues you a T-2200, with designation, it confirms that you use an office outside of their premises as a condition of employment - and that they do not maintain a dedicated space for you at the main office, other than a touchdown or hotel space. This T-2200 allows you to claim a portion of your home expenses like heat, hydro, electricity, cleaning and maintenance on your return, because it is your primary workspace. So, if you have 7 rooms and use 1 you can claim 1/7 of the utilities and maintenance as an expense. Only if you are renting are you able to also deduct rent for that portion of the total space you use. So, if you rent a 7 room flat or house and use 1 room, you can claim 1/7 of the rent as an expense, in addition to the utilities and maintenance expenses. This is not the case if you own your own home. You cannot deduct that portion of mortgage or interest costs associated with a home office.
Your deductions will be applied to your personal return, but your wife is now a business owner and although she may not yet be incorporated yet, just listed as a limited company, her deductions for home office space will be applied to her business revenue, and not her personal income. For expert advice, go online at www.cra.gc.ca go to forms and publications and examine two key documents - Employment Expenses, #T4044 and Interpretive Bulletin #IT 352 - Including Workspace in Home Expenses. You can also contact them for phone help at 1-800-959-8281, or for publications at 1-800-959-2221. And don't forget to check with your accountant. Liability for yor tax return is ultimately in your hands.
I am a new contract employee with a large Canadian company - we have about 3,500 employees. I am interested in trying to get on the remote work program - but as a part-time contract employee, the HR department has advised me that the existing policy excludes me. My direct boss has no problem with the idea of me working from home, she says she could use the desk space for other staff she is hiring now. HR says that under the existing policy, they cannot authorize any expenditures or monthly expenses for staff who are not full-time. I commute over 2 hours per day one way - is there a way to approach this that will allow me to telecommute?
Answer:
Restricting Alternative Work Options to FTE's (full-time employees) is not an uncommon clause in a telework policy. Employers are reluctant to invest in the equipment, services or orientation required to get a contract or part-time employee up and running from a remote site or home office. But, if your manager is not opposed, use your independent status as a contractor to set-up a home office and work from that site on a pre-arranged schedule. Use the costs for the set-up, furniture and connections as expenses on your personal tax return. Ask your manager to give you an estimate of how much the space you have freed-up is saving her and the enterprise. Come tax and preformance review time you will be on the positive side of the ledger.
