How do I properly account for my rent and cellphone when running a home based business?

In order to better assist you, we'd like a bit more information. Are your other home office expenses being deducted properly?

they appear to be.  although im not positive

The most common reason for your business-use-of-home expenses not appearing is a mistake the "number of rooms/square footage" question. Check your entries for the number of rooms used for business & number of rooms total.

Also, be sure to enter your rent/phone expenses for the entire year (not just the pro-rated portion). TurboTax will calculate the proper amount based on the number of rooms/square footage.

Hi Jennifer I followed your advise, but its still doesn't seem to be accounting for my rent or cell phone.  the tax write off amount doesn't change when I change the usage numbers.  Could there be anything else?