Home Office Deduction Tracker 2026 | Expense Log + Summary | Form 8829 Prep | Excel Template

This Home Office Expense Tracker (2026) helps you stay organized all year and makes tax-time easier.

How it works:

1) Enter home/office square footage once (Setup)

2) Log expenses (Expense Log)

3) The workbook calculates allocated totals for Actual Method and also shows Simplified Method for comparison

4) Use the Tax Prep Summary for quick roll-ups (including Utilities total)

Features:

• Direct vs Indirect allocation (Direct = 100%; Indirect = business-use %)

• Reimbursed toggle to exclude reimbursed expenses

• Category dropdown + customizable placeholders

• 2,000-row log

• Protected formulas (safer for buyers)

Compatibility:

• Microsoft Excel recommended (Windows/Mac). Desktop use best.

• Not tax advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this a physical product?

A: No — digital download only.

Q: What software do I need?

A: Microsoft Excel on Windows or Mac is recommended. Google Sheets / Apple Numbers may not support all features.

Q: How do I customize the Category dropdown?

A: Right-click any sheet tab → Unhide… → select “Lists”. Edit Lists!A2:A100, then hide the sheet again.

Q: What does Direct vs Indirect mean?

A: Direct = office-only expenses (100% allocated). Indirect = whole-home expenses allocated by business-use %.

Q: Is this tax advice?

A: No. This is an organizational tool. Verify tax rules/eligibility with IRS instructions or a tax professional.