I am an engineer by day, and run a one-boat charter business (LLC) on the evenings and weekends in the summer. This is my third year in business and I do all of the work myself (No employees). I did not make a profit my first two years. The reason for not making a profit is primarily depreciation of the boat, when added to other expenses. I make between 15-20k per year doing charters, however the depreciation on the boat for the first three years is 7k, 12k, and 8k respectively. I am on track to make a profit this year (third year) weather pending. My question is, if for some reason I do not make a profit this year or next, am I at risk of being labeled as a hobby by the IRS, where expenses would no longer be deductible? I am making a profit, but depreciation could show a loss on paper.
Note: In order to run this business I had to go to school to get my captains licensee; federal, state, and local permits are required each year; safety gear has to be kept current; and I keep separate business bank accounts.
