In the wake of the corona-virus outbreak, work from home or telecommuting has become the new normal. Quarantine or isolation, social distancing measures are declared in more and more cities and towns across the globe. Companies such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Oracle, and locally Bell, Telus, or Rogers and even different levels of Government officials are declaring work from home periods for their personnel in efforts to contain the virus spread. Reportedly some 80% of the work-force is now working from home.

However precarious many employees in Canada are doing a phenomenal job in accomplishing tasks while working from home. However, the home office may lack some of the comforts, and why not make full use of the opportunity.

Find here the indispensable essentials to set up a Home Office and be ready to ride out a quarantine period.

Home Office Essentials Checklist

With this, you’ll have a place set aside to telecommute and do office work. With a computer, printer, desk, and phone, it might even look like an office. Having said that is not all. As a taxpayer, you also have the ability to deduct home office-related expenses – if not reimbursed in full by your employer. Essentially the expenses an individual may deduct for a Home Office will fall into 2 categories:

For the self-employed individual or

Work-space-at-home expenses, for salaried and commissioned employees

So, with all these, it’s well worth getting ahead of the game and setting up a Home Office. Be sure to explore the CRA website for Tax implications. You may consult with a tax professional, ask her/him how your home office setup qualifies and how to best use the possible deductions.