One of the advantages of owning a home-based business is the ability to deduct expenses that would otherwise be non-deductible for federal income tax purposes. However, you should and must be conducting the business in a business-like manner with the intent of making a profit. Otherwise, the Internal Revenue Service might disallow your home-based business deductions and your hobby may cost more than you know. You cannot conduct your business in such a way for the purpose of merely producing “write-offs” for tax purposes. Not only is that unethical, it is illegal. If you are the typical home-based business owner, you likely run your business in an ethical manner with an intent of making a profit. You might think that the phrase “intent of making a profit” is self-explanatory, but the determination as to the profit intent of one’s business is often more subjective than objective. Therefore, in the event of an audit, the IRS uses nine relevant factors to determine whether or not your business qualifies for home-based business tax deductions. Review these factors and consider whether your home-based business is in compliance. You may find areas in the conduct of your home-based business which need improvement.

According to the IRS website, whether or not an activity is presumed to be operated for profit requires an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each case. Deciding whether a taxpayer operates an activity with an actual and honest profit motive typically involves applying the nine non-exclusive factors contained in Treasury Reg. Sec. 1.183-2(b). Those factors are: Read More