Office Expenses Disallowed?

By Marc Sevitz · Updated 7 July 2014

I have submitted my tax return and submitted the supporting documentation after a request to do so for an assessment/audit. I have received the outcome of the assessment to say that the home office expenses are disallowed. Which is odd, seeing as I went through the same process last year (including assessment) and they were allowed. I have two IRP5's from different employers and for the one, I 100% do the work from home. Is it worth disputing the outcome of the assessment or should I just let it go?

TaxTim Marc said:
7 July 2014 at 16:50

How much is the tax benefit? Did you submit letters from your employer showing that you are allowed to work at home?

Butternut said:
7 July 2014 at 16:59

R5900 (and some change). No I haven't submitted letters - didn't do that last year, but I guess I can request from them! Is there a standard that needs to be complied with (ie specific info that SARS requires?).

TaxTim Marc said:
7 July 2014 at 18:32

SARS requires the letters to state the amount of time or if you are allowed to work from your home instead of the office and if you are a commission or salaried employee. It should also say whether this is in your contract or not. I would dispute this due to the amount, which is still significant.