Reference no: EM132193269

Question - Melanie is employed full-time as an accountant for a national hardware chain. She also has recently started a private consulting practice, which provides tax advice and financial planning to the general public. For this purpose, she maintains an office in her home. Expenses relating to her home for 2018 are as follows:

Real property taxes $6,000

Interest on home mortgage 7,200

Operating expenses of home 1,500

Melanie's residence cost $400,000 (excluding land) and has living space of 2,000 square feet, of which 27% (540 square feet) is devoted to business. The office was placed in service in February 2017, and under the Regular Method, Melanie had an unused office in the home deduction of $700 for 2017. Assume there is sufficient net income from her consulting practice.

What is Melanie's office in the home deduction under the Regular Method. Round your final answer to nearest dollar.