Home based business can help you at tax time. Most governments offer tax incentives for people who work at home. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to pursue alternate income generating enterprises. When the economy is in trouble entrepreneurship flourishes. Governments recognize the value contributed to sagging economies by owners of a home based business.The tax advantages will vary somewhat between governments but generally most incentives are available for traditional business as well as the home entrepreneur. Home based tax advantages are also available in most instances. Overall family income can be reduced by deducting a portion of most household expenses.Allowable deductions include a portion of the property taxes, mortgage interest, utilities, Internet service and phone costs. Household deductions are usually based on a the space utilized for conducting your business activities. If your work space is 10% of your home square footage you can claim that percent amount of your home maintenance costs as a deduction.Advertising costs and travel expenses related to the business are usually 100% deductible costs for a home based business. Keep your receipts for all your business related office supplies like pens, paper, ink for your printer, log books, stamps, accounting programs and any other tools you use to build your home based business.Most Internet business opportunity affiliate programs will do about half of your accounting for you. They normally keep track of your sales and your commissions. It is up to you to keep track of all your business expenses.Every Province and State has their own allowable tax deductions for those people who work at home. It is  well worth your time to investigate what your tax body will allow. Tax advantages and deductions can help to reduce the amount of taxes that you have to pay. If you have not already learned about the incentives available then take the time now to find our how you can benefit with your home based business.