Ellsworth & Associates CPAs - Accountants in Cincinnati
  • About
  • Services
    • Tax Preparation
    • Financial Planning
    • Accounting
    • Outsourced Accounting
    • Business Consulting
  • Individuals
    • Individuals
    • Real Estate Investors
    • Clergy
    • Business Owners
    • Professionals
  • Businesses
    • Small Businesses
    • Mid-Size Businesses
    • Real Estate Investors
  • Organizations
    • Churches
    • Non-Profits
  • Resources
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Tax Resources
    • E-File
    • Real Estate Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • FAQ
    • Review Us
  • Login

The Tax Differences between a Business and a Hobby and Why It Matters

5/30/2017

0 Comments

 
The Tax Differences between a Business and a Hobby and Why It Matters
​When you incorrectly claim your favorite hobby as a business, it's like waving a red flag that says "Audit Me!" to the IRS. However, there are tax benefits if you can correctly categorize your activity as a business.

Why does hobby versus business activity matter?

Chiefly, you're allowed to reduce your taxable income by the amount of your qualified business expenses, even if your business activity results in a loss.

On the other hand, you cannot deduct losses from hobby activities. Hobby expenses are treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions and don't reduce taxable income until they (and other miscellaneous expenses) surpass 2 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Here are some tips to determine whether you can define your activity as a business. These are common characteristics of a business:
  • Profit Motive. You have a reasonable expectation of making a profit.
  • Effort and Income. You invest significant personal time and effort. You depend on the resulting income.
  • Reasonable Expenses. Your expenses are ordinary and necessary to run your business.
  • Background. You have a track record in this industry, and/or a history of making profits.
  • Customers. You have multiple customers or professional clients.
  • Professionalism. You keep professional records, including a separate checkbook and balance sheet; you have business cards, stationery and a branded business website.

​The IRS will consider all these factors to make a broad determination whether you operate your activity in a business-like manner. If your business doesn't fit with the guidelines above, it might be a hobby. Each case is unique, and you should seek out professional advice on making this determination. If you need help ensuring you meet these criteria, reach out to schedule an appointment.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016

    Categories

    All
    Business
    Capital Gains
    Deductions
    Donations
    Healthcare
    Investing
    IRS
    Life Changes
    Non Profit
    Personal Finance
    Real Estate
    Retirement
    Security
    Self Employed
    Social Security
    Taxes

    RSS Feed

Ellsworth & Associates, Inc. CPAs
513.272.8400
Cincinnati: 9624 Cincinnati Columbus Road, Suite 209, Cincinnati, OH 45241

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
FAQ
© 2017 Ellsworth & Associates, Inc.
  • About
  • Services
    • Tax Preparation
    • Financial Planning
    • Accounting
    • Outsourced Accounting
    • Business Consulting
  • Individuals
    • Individuals
    • Real Estate Investors
    • Clergy
    • Business Owners
    • Professionals
  • Businesses
    • Small Businesses
    • Mid-Size Businesses
    • Real Estate Investors
  • Organizations
    • Churches
    • Non-Profits
  • Resources
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Tax Resources
    • E-File
    • Real Estate Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • FAQ
    • Review Us
  • Login