Hobbies and businesses are treated differently when it comes to filing taxes. According to the IRS the biggest difference between the two is that businesses operate to make a profit while hobbies are for pleasure or recreation.
Whether someone is having fun with a hobby or running a business, if they are paid through payment apps for goods and services during the year, they may receive an IRS Form 1099-K for those transactions. These payments are taxable income and must be reported on federal tax returns.
There are a few other things people should consider when deciding whether their project is a hobby or business. No single thing is the deciding factor. It is important to review all the factors to make a good decision.
How taxpayers can decide if it’s a hobby or business
These questions can help you decide whether they have a hobby or business:
- Does the time and effort they put into the activity show they intend to make a profit?
- Does the activity make a profit in some years, and if so, how much profit does it make?
- Can they expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity?
- Do they depend on income from the activity for their livelihood?
- Are any losses due to circumstances beyond their control or are the losses normal for the startup phase of their type of business?
- Do they change their methods of operation to improve profitability?
- Do they carry out the activity in a businesslike manner and keep complete and accurate books and records?
- Do the taxpayer and their advisors have the knowledge needed to carry out the activity as a successful business?
Whether taxpayers have a hobby or run a business, it is important to have good record keeping throughout the year.
As always, contact the team at Crosslin with any questions.
