I've been filing a schedule C (via Home and Business) for a very small online retail gig (actually more of a hobby) the past 12 years. In 2019, this was barely active with little income. Can I just add the income to personal and take the standard deduction or do I still have to file a schedule C until I officially close the business?
The iRS considers nine factors in distinguishing between a business and a hobby and no one factor is determinative.
See https://www.irs.gov/faqs/small-business-self-employed-other-business/income-expenses/income-expenses
You need to continue filing Schedule C as long as you have a sole proprietorship that generates income and expenses unless and until you close the business and cease operations.
The iRS considers nine factors in distinguishing between a business and a hobby and no one factor is determinative.
See https://www.irs.gov/faqs/small-business-self-employed-other-business/income-expenses/income-expenses
You need to continue filing Schedule C as long as you have a sole proprietorship that generates income and expenses unless and until you close the business and cease operations.