Tax Deductible Office Chair: Can Remote Workers Claim One?

Working from your dining room chair was fine for a week. Now, months or even years later, your back is sending you angry DMs. You know you need a proper ergonomic throne, but they're an investment. So, the big question for every remote worker in South Africa is this: can you claim for a tax deductible office chair? The answer is… it’s complicated, but potentially yes. Let's break down how it works.

Understanding SARS and Home Office Expenses

Before you can even think about a tax deductible office chair, you need to meet the strict criteria SARS sets out for a home office claim. For salaried employees, this is the main hurdle.

You must have a specific area of your home that is used regularly and exclusively for work. That spare room you converted? Perfect. The kitchen table where the kids also do their homework? Not so much. Additionally, you must spend more than 50% of your total working hours in that dedicated home office. If you meet these conditions, you can start looking at claiming expenses.

Can You Claim an Office Chair on Tax?

Here’s where it gets interesting. You generally can't claim the full purchase price of a new chair in one go. Instead, an office chair is considered an asset that depreciates over time. SARS allows you to claim for the "wear and tear" on assets you own and use for your work.

This means you can deduct a portion of the chair's cost each year over its expected lifespan. For office equipment, this is often calculated over a few years. While it's not an instant discount, it reduces your taxable income over time, putting some cash back in your pocket. This applies to a huge range of quality ergonomic chairs designed for long hours.

Freelancer vs. Salaried Employee Claims

The rules for claiming a home office expense like a chair differ slightly depending on your employment status.

For Salaried Employees

As mentioned, the rules are strict. You must meet the "regularly and exclusively" and ">50% of the time" criteria. Your claim is limited to a percentage of your home office expenses, calculated based on the floor area of your office relative to your home. The wear-and-tear claim on your chair would form part of this calculation.

For Freelancers & Sole Proprietors

If you're self-employed, things are a bit more straightforward. The chair is a legitimate business expense, an asset essential for you to generate income. You can claim the depreciation on a premium Vertagear gaming chair or one of the legendary noblechairs models as part of your business's operational costs, provided you keep meticulous records and invoices.

The Real Bottom Line: An Investment in You ✨

Chasing a tax deduction is smart, but don't lose sight of the main goal: protecting your health and boosting your productivity. Aches and pains are massive productivity killers. Investing in a proper chair is an investment in your well-being and your ability to focus for hours on end.

Even if a full tax claim seems too complex, the return on investment from sheer comfort and reduced fatigue is undeniable. Options like the Enova chairs range can make a massive difference without a huge outlay. You don't need to break the bank either; there are plenty of great gaming chairs under R5000 that provide excellent support.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Please consult with a registered tax professional in South Africa to discuss your specific circumstances.