【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Tang Zhao, April 28, 2022】 As a valuable service to We Chinese in America website readers, We Chinese in America website posts English and Chinese versions of “IRS News Release” and “IRS Fact Sheets” directly received from IRS Media Relations Office in Washington, D.C.. We are pleased to take on this important role partnering with IRS to better inform the public.

Here’s how to tell the difference between a hobby and a business for tax purposes

IRS Tax Tip 2022-57

A hobby is any activity that a person pursues because they enjoy it and with no intention of making a profit. People operate a business with the intention of making a profit. Many people engage in hobby activities that turn into a source of income. However, determining if that hobby has grown into a business can be confusing.

To help simplify things, the IRS has established factors taxpayers must consider when determining whether their activity is a business or hobby.

These factors are whether:

• The taxpayer carries out activity in a businesslike manner and maintains complete and accurate books and records.
• The taxpayer puts time and effort into the activity to show they intend to make it profitable.
• The taxpayer depends on income from the activity for their livelihood.
• The taxpayer has personal motives for carrying out the activity such as general enjoyment or relaxation.
• The taxpayer has enough income from other sources to fund the activity
• Losses are due to circumstances beyond the taxpayer's control or are normal for the startup phase of their type of business.
• There is a change to methods of operation to improve profitability.
• Taxpayer and their advisor have the knowledge needed to carry out the activity as a successful business.
• The taxpayer was successful in making a profit in similar activities in the past.
• Activity makes a profit in some years and how much profit it makes.
• The taxpayer can expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity.

All factors, facts, and circumstances with respect to the activity must be considered. No one factor is more important than another.

If a taxpayer receives income from an activity that is carried on with no intention of making a profit, they must report the income they receive on Schedule 1, Form 1040, line 8 PDF.

More Information:

• Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
• Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income
• Publication 535, Business Expenses

(Source: IRS Tax Tips)

Internal Resource Service

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www.IRS.GOV/NewsRoom

Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, For Individuals Who Use Schedule C