<prompt> Human: Ive been breeding ball pythons for about 6 years, and Ive acquired some high end snakes and equipment over the years. Ive decided sell pretty much everything, and was planning to do so bit by bit. Cash here, paypal there over the course of the next year or two. Someone has offered to buy the whole collection, which is worth about 15-20k if sold at a discount. I wasnt planning on having to deal with a massive check like that, obviously that would be noticed by the IRS so I assume Id have to include it on my 2013 taxes which would bump me up to the next tax bracket and be all sorts of financially painful. Im not sure exactly what my question is, is there a way to liquidate a hobby without being hit hard with taxes? Legal methods are best.  <response>: Unless you made a profit off this one-time sale above your costs, this really shouldnt count as income.Also, tax brackets arent nearly as scary as you and many others seem to think. If you get bumped into a higher bracket thats if, tax rates are marginal so youre only paying the higher rate on the income thats in the new tier, not all your income. If youre worried that you might owe taxes on it, set aside a portion of the money whatever percentage reflects your tax rate in a savings account and dont touch it until youre satisfied that youre in the clear. 