Understanding Hobby vs. Business for Tax Purposes

When it comes to managing your taxes, it's crucial to distinguish between activities that are considered hobbies and those that are categorized as businesses. This distinction impacts how income is reported and expenses are handled. Let's explore these differences using the example of filing taxes with the 2025 Draft Form 1040.

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Under the hobby loss rules, any income generated from activities deemed as hobbies—activities not engaged in for profit—should be reported on line 8j, labeled "activity not engaged in for profit income," on Schedule 1 of the Form 1040. Unfortunately, expenses associated with such activities are generally not deductible, which can affect your overall taxable income.

It's important to note that since these activities aren't considered profit-driven, they typically don't lead to complications with self-employment taxes. This distinction can be a significant factor for anyone earning side income from personal projects or passions.

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