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Hobby Income & Taxes; What You Need to Know

Hobby Income & Taxes; What You Need to Know


If you have a hobby that earns you some income, it's important to know how it affects your taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers any income earned from a hobby as taxable income. This means you'll need to report it on your tax return and pay taxes on it. Here's what you need to know about hobby income and taxes.


What is hobby income?

Hobby income is any income that you earn from an activity that is not your main source of income. This can include things like crafting, painting, photography, writing, music, and more. If you sell items or services related to your hobby, any money you earn from those sales is considered hobby income.

Hobby income is different from business income. If you have a business, you're in it to make a profit, and you're actively working to do so. You're also able to deduct any expenses related to your business from your taxes. With a hobby, however, you're not necessarily trying to make a profit, and you may not have any expenses to deduct.


How is hobby income taxed?

Hobby income is taxed as ordinary income. This means you'll need to report it on your tax return and pay taxes on it at your regular income tax rate. If you earn more than $600 in hobby income during the year, the payer is required to send you a Form 1099-MISC. You'll need to report this income on your tax return, even if you don't receive a Form 1099-MISC.


Can you deduct expenses related to your hobby?

Unlike with a business, you can't deduct expenses related to your hobby unless you have enough hobby income to offset them. You can't claim a loss on your tax return if you have more expenses than income. For example, if you spend $1,000 on supplies for your hobby but only earn $500 in hobby income, you can't claim a $500 loss on your tax return.

However, if you do have enough hobby income to offset your expenses, you can deduct them as itemized deductions on your tax return. You'll need to file a Schedule A to claim these deductions.


What if you turn your hobby into a business?

If you decide to turn your hobby into a business, you'll need to start treating it as such for tax purposes. This means you'll need to register your business with your state, get a tax ID number, and file business tax returns. You'll also be able to deduct any expenses related to your business.

To determine whether your hobby has become a business, the IRS uses a set of factors known as the "profit test." These factors include:

  • Whether you carry on the activity in a businesslike manner.

  • Whether you have the knowledge needed to carry on the activity as a successful business.

  • Whether you have made a profit from similar activities in the past.

  • Whether the activity makes a profit in some years and how much profit it makes.

  • Whether you expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of assets used in the activity.

  • Whether the activity is conducted in a manner that is similar to other successful businesses in the same field.

If you meet these factors, the IRS will consider your hobby a business, and you'll need to start treating it as such for tax purposes.


Conclusion

If you earn income from a hobby, knowing how it affects your taxes is important. Hobby income is taxable as ordinary income; you must report it on your tax return. You can't deduct expenses related to your hobby unless you have enough hobby income to offset them. If you decide to turn your hobby into a business, you must register it with your state and start treating it as a business for tax purposes. It's essential to keep track of your hobby income and expenses so you can accurately report them on your tax return. Ensure you know the threshold for receiving a Form 1099-MISC, and don't assume that just because you don't receive one, you don't have to report your hobby income.

If you're unsure about how your hobby income should be reported on your tax return or whether you should start treating your hobby as a business, it's a good idea to consult with a tax professional. They can help you understand your tax obligations and ensure you comply with all applicable tax laws.

In summary, hobby income is subject to taxation just like any other type of income. While you may not be able to deduct expenses related to your hobby unless you have enough hobby income to offset them, keeping accurate records of all income and expenses is still important. If you decide to turn your hobby into a business, ensure you know the "profit test" and other tax obligations of operating a business.

By staying informed and proactive about your hobby income and taxes, you can ensure that you meet your tax obligations and avoid any potential penalties or fines.


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