In order to claim a deduction for that part of a home used for business, taxpayers must use that part of the home:

Exclusively and regularly as their principal place of business, as a place to meet or deal with patients, clients or customers in the normal course of their business, or in connection with their trade or business where there is a separate structure not attached to the home.

In addition, taxpayers working as employees can claim this deduction only if the regular and exclusive business use of the home is for the convenience of their employer and the portion of the home is not rented by the employer.

“Exclusive use” means a specific area of the home is used only for trade or business. “Regular use” means the area is used regularly for trade or business. Incidental or occasional business use is not regular use.

Example: An accountant uses a bedroom in her home to prepare clients’ tax returns.  There is a couch in the bedroom that is used for when the family has overnight guests.  The bedroom is not used exclusively in the accountant’s profession, so a business deduction cannot be claimed for its use.

The IRS and state taxing authorities do not allow us to pay in our tax due with our returns each year.  Instead we must pay in a certain amount throughout the year or be subject to interest and penalties.

You likely received these vouchers because you are either self-employed and did not report any taxes withheld on the prior year’s tax returns or you owed taxes on the prior year’s tax returns.  Hence, the IRS and state taxing authorities are under the impression that you need to make estimated payments for the current year.  However this may not be the case.

You need to consult with your tax advisor to determine if you are having a sufficient amount of federal and state taxes withheld and if not, whether you can adjust your or your spouse’s withholding or if you should use the coupons to make up the potential shortfall.