Matt

I am running into what seems to be a grey area while sitting down to fill out my tax return. I work for Doordash more than full time. As a Doordash driver I am considered to be an independent contractor and because of that I am asked to fill out a Schedule C on my tax return, or what I guess is my declaration of business expenses. 

I have read on the IRS website that rent can be considered tax deductible if my apartment is used for legitimate business purposes in my trade or profession. I literally only use my apartment to eat, sleep, shower, and take one day off from work per week to rest from driving. 

To me, I think that my rent is a legitimate business expense. I am not using my apartment for leisure or for any great deal of personal use. 

I read that I can file it as an expense based on percentage of how much use I think is for business and how much is used for personal use. 

Again I think it is a legitimate business expense, but I am worried about being questioned or audited by the IRS in the event that they do not see it as a business expense. The last thing I want is legal problems or to have to pay heavy fines.

I may have to look around and see if there are some accounting websites or legal resources to ask, but I thought I would begin here.

Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing or a similar work situation who may be able to provide some good advice? 

Thank you for reading this, serious, friendly, and helpful responses will be appreciated.

I have been charged with two misdemeanors (calling the police to harass or annoy and resisting arrest) but I also have been also dealing with a mental disorder of paranoid schizophrenia for a year and a half. I am not sure of what to do. My best guess as of now is to do my best to qualify for a public defender see if they can negotiate the charges down accept a plea bargain and then beg for the mercy/ leniency of the judge.