02/03/2025
Hobby or Business – Did You Know?
Depending on a variety of factors, the IRS may designate a side gig as either a business or a hobby. In some cases, having your side gig classified as a business can offer tax advantages, while in others, the hobby classification may be preferable.
Generally, the IRS defines a business as any activity that a person regularly pursues with a reasonable expectation of making a profit. If an activity results in losses (expenses exceeding revenue), the IRS may look at why those losses occurred, to determine whether they are likely to continue in the future.
One subtle factor to consider is the future value of assets used for the activity. If a pursuit involves acquiring property that gains value over time, like real estate or certain musical instruments, then those gains may yield long-term profits in spite of short-term losses. A tax professional can help you determine whether the IRS will likely see your side gig as a business or a hobby, and whether changes to how you pursue the activity could result in tax savings.