Hobby or business: What you need to know if having a second job

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Hobby or business: What you need to know if having a second job

Hobby or business: What you need to know if having a second job

2024-07-17

When talking about filing taxes, hobbies and businesses are treated differently. It is a fact that businesses are run to make a profit and that separates them from hobbies.

To clarify whether your activity is a hobby or business, you need to consider several things. It’s not only one thing that decides it. Keep in mind that many people engage in hobby activities that later turn into a source of income. One of the greatest concerns surrounding whether an activity constitutes a trade or business is the allowance of deductions.

To make it a bit clearer, taxpayers should consider all the factors involved in the activity. Here are some questions that will help you identify if your activity is a hobby or a business:

  1. Do you intend to make a profit from the time and effort put into this activity?
  2. In the future, does this activity will make a profit, and how much profit does it make?
  3. Will you be able to make a profit from the appreciation of the assets in use for this activity?
  4. Are you dependent on the income from your work for a living?

When being paid through payment apps for goods and services provided during the calendar year you will receive a Form 1099-K, whether the activity is a hobby or a business. These payments are taxable income and must be declared on your federal tax return.

Money received from friends and family as a gift or repayment for a personal expense should not be reported on a Form 1099-K. These payments aren't taxable income. Be sure to note these types of payments as non-business in the payment apps when possible.

Avoid headaches, remember that good recordkeeping is one of the key factors for your business to succeed.