I want to use the short form. If I mad $73 from a book sale, do I have to declare it?

[donahue7356]

Do I have to declare $73 for the year for a book sale on Amazon?

[xmasbaby0]

There has not been a "short form" since 2017.   Did you have any other income in 2021 besides that $73?

[donahue7356]

I have been using Turbo Tax for over a decade.  Each year I filed a long form, but might as well have filed a "short form."  Last year I used the online free form which seemed like a short form.  I wound up making it a long form because I made $71 for the year selling a book on Amazon.  This year, I made $73,  Do I really need to add that to the free form, or is there a limit to what needs to be declared?  

[donahue7356]

I have been using Turbo Tax for over a decade.  Each year I filed a long form, but might as well have filed a "short form."  Last year I used the online free form which seemed like a short form.  I wound up making it a long form because I made $71 for the year selling a book on Amazon.  This year, I made $73,  Do I really need to add that to the free form, or is there a limit to what needs to be declared?  

[ErnieS0]

No there is no de minimis below which you do not have to declare income on your tax return.

The IRS says: "Generally, an amount included in your income is taxable unless it is specifically exempted by law. Income that is taxable must be reported on your return and is subject to tax. Income that is nontaxable may have to be shown on your tax return but is not taxable. A list is available in Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income."

What is Taxable and Nontaxable Income?

You may actually get a tax break if you can find expenses and turn your $73 sale into a look. Doesn't Amazon charge commissions and fees? You may have other expenses of being an author as well that you can deduct.