This means, for example, that a knitter who does not qualify to call knitting a "trade or business," can deduct only the expenses of the hobby up to the amount gained by the hobby. The cost of yarn and other expenses as well as depreciation on a knitting machine may be deducted against the sale price of the scarf sold, but not against the unrelated income the knitter makes at a day job. Practical considerations For a business (activity engaged in for profit), income and expenses are listed on Schedule C (and the net income result carries to line 12 of the Form 1040). All expenses are used, even if they create a net loss. For a hobby (an activity not engaged in for profit), income and expenses are listed separately. The income is included on line 21 of the Form 1040 (Other income). Therefore, the hobbyist is required to file the long form, Form 1040 (as the other Forms 1040A and 1040EZ have no lines to include "other income"). However, the expenses are listed on line 23 of the Schedule A (Other expenses). This leads to a couple of hidden consequences. Firstly, the taxpayer must add these expenses to his other job expenses (as well as investment expenses and tax preparation costs) and reduce the sum by 2% of the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Only the portion that exceeds 2% of the AGI is deductible. Secondly, the taxpayer must itemize his deductions on the Schedule A, or the hobby expenses are not deductible at all. If the taxpayer is already itemizing deductions, with adequate job or investment expenses, then the hobby expenses will be fully deductible. Notes References Side Business Ventures, Holmes F. Crouch, 1998, All-Year Tax Guides, Saratoga, CA. Tax Guide #202 Very thorough coverage of topic. 0183