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brai57921
New Member

What do I do if I had business expenses but didn't sell anything or make any money last year?

I am an artist. I bought supplies, equipment, a website, etc. I have expenses, but nothing sold last year.
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2 Replies

What do I do if I had business expenses but didn't sell anything or make any money last year?

If you tried to make sales but none were actually sold then you were in business and you can file a Sch C to report your expenses.  

What do I do if I had business expenses but didn't sell anything or make any money last year?

If you're audited you'll have to prove to the IRS that your activities are a business, not a hobby - especially if you've never filed a Schedule C before.  This IRS webpage explains how they view the difference:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/earning-side-income-is-it-a-hobby-or-a-business

**Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.

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