Tax Implications: Differentiating Hobbies from Businesses

Under U.S. tax law, it's crucial to distinguish between activities operated as a hobby versus those run as a business, as this impacts how income and expenses are handled on your tax return. When an activity is deemed a hobby—classified by the IRS as an activity not engaged in for profit—the income must be reported on line 8j ("activity not engaged in for profit income"), Schedule 1, of the 2025 Draft Form 1040. Importantly, expenses from a hobby cannot be deducted to offset any income from that activity. This distinction is equally significant because hobbies generally sidestep the obligations of self-employment tax. If you’re earning from a hobby or exploring this distinction, understanding the nuances is essential. Image 1

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