Working from home has become a new normal for many South Africans. But did you know that your home office could actually save you money on your taxes? That’s right — SARS allows you to claim a home office deduction if you meet certain conditions. In this motivational guide, we’ll show you exactly how to claim it, why it’s worth it, and how getting professional accounting help can maximise your benefits.

Turn Your Home Office Into a Tax Benefit

Whether you're a remote employee, a freelancer, or a small business owner, you may qualify to deduct certain home office expenses from your taxable income. These can include a portion of your rent, electricity, internet, cleaning, and even repairs — provided you use part of your home exclusively and regularly for work.

If you're self-employed or earn commission-based income, you may have more flexibility to claim these deductions. Employed individuals, however, must ensure their home office is specifically set up for work purposes and that they work from it more than 50% of the time.

What Expenses Can You Claim?

SARS allows you to deduct a portion of the following expenses, based on the percentage of your home used for work:

• Rent or bond interest

• Electricity and water

• Internet and phone costs

• Cleaning and repairs

• Office equipment depreciation

To calculate the claim, divide the area of your home office by the total area of your home, then apply that percentage to your qualifying expenses. For example, if your home office is 10% of your total living space, you can claim 10% of those expenses.

Why Let Money Slip Away?

Every year, thousands of rands go unclaimed simply because individuals are unaware of what they’re entitled to. Claiming your home office deduction isn’t just about saving money — it’s about being financially smart. It’s about using every tool available to support your financial freedom.

This is where a professional accountant steps in. At ExtraStar Solutions, we help South Africans navigate the SARS system with ease, ensuring every eligible cent is claimed correctly. We remove the guesswork, handle the paperwork, and let you focus on growing your business or career.

Let Us Help You Maximise Your Refund

SARS is becoming stricter with documentation and proof. That’s why professional assistance is more important than ever. We ensure your records are accurate, your claims are legal, and your submission is stress-free. Your home office could become your smartest financial move of the year — if it’s handled right.