Rick - Be careful claiming part of your house as a home office for tax purposes. I've been told that it can complicate things if/when you ever want to sell the house. *nodnod*
+1
Home office gets depreciated over its "useful" life. Then, when you sell, the cost "basis" of the house must be reduced from the purchase price and any upgrades/additions by the total amount of depreciation taken over the years. Home office furniture gets depreciated over its useful life--different than the bricks and mortar. Computers get depreciated over their useful life--shorter still. Paper, ink, gas to signings etc. get deducted. Mortgage, I don't think so. That's a loan repayment, and you get to deduct the interest on the mortage elsewhere. Rent, only the portion for your writer office. One more reason I write historicals: get to deduct cool trips to off-the-beaten paths. But...check with your accountant before you file. I'm not a tax lawyer, just pretend to be. g.