Sandy Clark's Income Taxes

Hobby or Business – Did You Know?

Depending on a variety of factors, the IRS may designate a side gig as either a business or a hobby. In some cases, having your side gig classified as a business can offer tax advantages, while in others, the hobby classification may be preferable.

Generally, the IRS defines a business as any activity that a person regularly pursues with a reasonable expectation of making a profit. If an activity results in losses (expenses exceeding revenue), the IRS may look at why those losses occurred, to determine whether they are likely to continue in the future.

One subtle factor to consider is the future value of assets used for the activity. If a pursuit involves acquiring property that gains value over time, like real estate or certain musical instruments, then those gains may yield long-term profits in spite of short-term losses. A tax professional can help you determine whether the IRS will likely see your side gig as a business or a hobby, and whether changes to how you pursue the activity could result in tax savings.

Tax Filing Season Begins

The IRS starts processing tax returns today and the deadline to file 2024 tax returns and pay any taxes owed is Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Once filed, the status of your tax return can be checked at: https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund.

Standard Business Mileage Rate to Increase for 2025 – Did You Know?

The IRS has announced that the standard mileage rate for business use of a vehicle will be 70 cents per mile in 2025, an increase of 3 cents over the 2024 rate. Note that this rate applies only to business miles driven on or after January 1, 2025. Self-employed people and small business owners who use the standard mileage rate must use the previous rate of 67 cents per mile to figure their 2024 vehicle expense deductions.

In most cases, using the standard business mileage rate is optional. You may instead figure your deduction by tracking actual expenses like repairs, depreciation, auto loan interest, and fuel or charging expenses. Make sure to prorate each expense based on the percentage of your mileage traveled solely for business reasons. Also note that if you report actual expenses for the first year when you put a vehicle into service for business, then you generally must track actual expenses for all subsequent years as well.

A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify to deduct business vehicle expenses, and if so, help you find the most advantageous strategy to figure your deduction.

'Tis the Season to Prepare for Tax Time – Start Assembling Important Documents Now

With a New Year fast approaching, tax filing season cannot be far behind. Taking a few simple steps to prepare over the next several weeks can significantly reduce stress when you complete your return. First, make sure you have important records readily at hand, like last year's return and receipts for deductible expenses or donations. Second, keep your eyes out for year-end income statements in January and early February. These documents may include:

- W-2 forms from employers
- Forms 1099-NEC and/or 1099-MISC showing your income from sources like rents, self-employment activities (such as gig work) and royalties
- Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV showing interest, dividends and other investment income

If you accept payments for goods or services through a payment app or online payment platform, you might also receive Form 1099-K showing that income. The filing threshold for these forms was lowered for 2024, so you may receive one even if you never have in the past.

Other important forms you might receive include Forms 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement) and 1098-T (Tuition Statement). Also remember that you must answer questions about your involvement with digital assets like crypto on your tax return, and report any resulting income. Make sure you have complete records of all your 2024 digital asset transactions, so you can meet these reporting requirements. A tax professional can help you organize your records, and help you file your return electronically to get your refund as quickly as possible.