Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 5:35:36 AM

Have been self-employed for many years but did not work in 2016 due to serious illness.

Do I have to indicate anything concerning this on married-filing-jointly return?

0 1 320
1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 6, 2019 5:35:37 AM

No, if you did not work and didn't earn anything you don't have to report or indicate anything on your tax return.  If you still have expenses related to your business that continued even though you couldn't work, you can deduct those.  You don't have to have income to have business expenses.  If that's the case you would have a loss which would offset any other ordinary income you (or your spouse) have.

1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 6, 2019 5:35:37 AM

No, if you did not work and didn't earn anything you don't have to report or indicate anything on your tax return.  If you still have expenses related to your business that continued even though you couldn't work, you can deduct those.  You don't have to have income to have business expenses.  If that's the case you would have a loss which would offset any other ordinary income you (or your spouse) have.