Partially Claimable

Can I Claim Use of Home (Sole Trader) as a Business Expense in Ireland?

Partially — Irish sole traders working from home can claim a reasonable proportion of household running costs (light, heat, broadband, mortgage interest, insurance) based on the area used and time spent on business.

Typical claim: €800–€2,500/year

What Revenue (Revenue Commissioners) says

Revenue accepts a 'reasonable apportionment' for sole traders using their home as a place of business. The basis should be defensible: e.g. one room out of six used 80% of the time = (1/6) × 0.8 = 13.3% of variable household costs.

When you can claim

  • Apportioned light and heat
  • Apportioned broadband
  • Apportioned mortgage interest (sole trader only — not for employee directors)
  • Apportioned home insurance

When you cannot claim

  • Capital costs of the home itself
  • Mortgage capital repayments
  • Rooms used 100% for business may trigger partial CGT loss of PPR relief on sale
  • Property tax (LPT)

Good to know

Important: Using a room exclusively for business can affect Principal Private Residence relief on sale of the home for CGT. Mixed-use is generally safer.

Related expenses

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