J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 2017

CHAPTER 26 Tax Strategies for a Sideline Business

1. Reporting Sideline Business Income
2. Hobby Losses
3. Business Expenses

Millions of Americans today have a sideline business, especially today when many have only part-time jobs or are underemployed. Having a sideline business has become easy with the advent of eBay, Etsy, and other online marketplaces. The “gig” economy, with options for part-time and freelance work through Uber, TaskRabbit, Elance, and others, also provides sideline business opportunities. But sideline businesses, such as dog breeding and gentleman farming, have been around for years.

Starting and running a sideline business can be a savvy move, especially in tough economic times. It can be a way to supplement your current income. It can be a safety net in case of a job dislocation. And it can be a way to test the waters for a full-time business in the future, say, on retirement.

For a further discussion of business expenses, see IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses.

Reporting Sideline Business Income

There's a basic rule when it comes to income from a sideline business: You must report it. There is no minimum revenue or number of sales you must make before income becomes reportable. You must report income, whether or not it is reported to the IRS (such as on Form 1099 for payments to independent contractors).

Of course, all of the revenue you take in may not necessarily be profit. You can deduct expenses (subject to the limits explained throughout this book ...