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Tax Differences for Hobbyists vs. Business Owners

Understanding the distinction between a hobby and a business is crucial for tax purposes, as it determines how income is reported and what expenses are deductible. Under the hobby loss rules, an activity that's considered a hobby, rather than a for-profit venture, requires income to be reported on line 8j (activity not engaged in for profit income), Schedule 1, of the 2025 Draft Form 1040. However, unlike businesses, expenses related to a hobby are not deductible.

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Because hobby activities generally aren’t pursued for profit, they don't trigger self-employment tax issues. This distinction is vital for individuals and small businesses aiming to optimize their financial outcomes while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.

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