When claiming "hobby income", if I separate my items as $5400 income and $2700 expenses, it takes out $1000 more than if I claim a net income amount of $2700 w/no exp's.

[maglib · Accepted solution]

The IRS only allows itemized deductions for Hobby Expenses. Sadly, you must report your Hobby Income gross.  You must exceed the standard deduction in order to be able to get benefits of the hobby expenses and additionally there is a 2% of AGI Cap.

The only possible way is to claim self employment income and file a schedule C if it's a profitable business (you can run at a loss for about 5 years before the IRS will deem your business a hobby). Hobby Income is normally for those who don't expect to be profitable or just make small amounts.  While as a business you can take all your deductions.If the net amount is less than $400, you will owe no SE taxes.  You may want to test filing the amount as self employed business instead.

I hope this was helpful?

[plathrop]

Thank you!