Is This A Business Or A Hobby?

Here are four tax tips you should know regarding hobby versus business activity:

1. A key feature of a business is that you do the activity to make a profit. This differs from a hobby that you may do for sport or recreation. There are nine factors to consider when you determine if you do the activity to make a profit. Make sure you base your decision on all the facts and circumstances of your situation. You can refer to IRS Publication 535 for more information.
2. Allowable Hobby Deductions. You may be able to deduct ordinary and necessary hobby expenses. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted for the activity. A necessary expense is one that is helpful or appropriate. See IRS Publication 535 for more on these rules.
3. Limits on Expenses. As a general rule, you can only deduct your hobby expenses up to the amount of your hobby income. If your expenses are more than your income, you have a loss from the activity. You can’t deduct that loss from your other income.
4. How to Deduct Expenses. You must itemize deductions on your tax return in order to deduct hobby expenses. Your costs may fall into three types of expenses. Special rules apply to each type. See IRS Publication 535 for how you should report them on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions.

As always, please contact us if there is anything we can do to help.

Andy

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