How to figure Schedule C at risk disallowed loss

[MichaelDC]

Is my business investment at risk?

Is my business investment at risk?

Is my business investment at risk?

Most likely yes, assuming you own a sole proprietorship or other Schedule C business.

In the tax world, "at risk" simply means that the business owner is personally liable for the business's losses. It has nothing to do with the business's chances of success or failure.

It's uncommon for Schedule C businesses to not be at risk, but this can happen if the business is funded with non-recourse loans, money or property protected by a stop-loss agreement, or loans from a non-creditor who has an interest in the business. In those cases, the business owner is not allowed to take a loss on money or property they weren't "at risk" of losing in the first place.