Do You Need to Report Your Online Sales to the IRS?

Online sellers, including those selling through online sales websites such as ebay.com and Amazon.com, are responsible for reporting sales income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in their income tax returns. If you're running a business, that's one thing. But what if you're simply selling a few used items through a community message group, just trying to earn a few bucks? It's important to know when you may owe taxes for your online sales. Learn more about whether you need to report your online sales to the IRS below.

Online 'Garage Sales'

Online sales of personal, used items do not generally have to be reported. Selling your old bicycle on Craigslist is an example of these types of sales. Losses on personal-use property are not deductible on online sellers' tax returns. The rule of thumb is that if you used the items and then sold them for less than you bought them for, then you owe no taxes on the sale. However, if you sold an antique or collectible that had appreciated since you first acquired it, you likely would be on the hook for taxes on the profit.

Determining Whether Sales Are Hobby or Business

Income made from online sales can be reported to the IRS as "hobby income" if the sales activity qualifies as a hobby according to the IRS, i.e. sale without the intention of making money. For example, a recreational photographer selling a photo on ebay should report the sale as hobby income. 

The IRS will consider your hobby to be a business if you made a profit in three of the last five years.  While at one time you could deduct your hobby expenses from your hobby income, since 2018, hobby expenses are no longer deductible.

Home-Based Online Auction Sales Businesses

Where there are recurring sales involving the purchase of items for resale with the intention of making a profit, sellers may be a small business and are subject to business taxes.

For example, if you start selling greeting cards online and then begin filling orders from regular clients and continue expanding your online inventory you likely have an online business. Viable online sales businesses are entitled to deduct certain business expenses. If the online sales are part of an established business, the sales should be included as business income.

Reporting Profit on Appreciated Assets Sold Online

Reportable gains on online sales of items such as antiques, art, and collectibles should be reported to the IRS where the sales price is more than the cost of the item. If, for example, you sold a vintage automobile online for a profit, you should report this gain. Depending on the nature of the online sale, the gain may be reported as business income or capital gains.

Reporting Loss on Depreciated Business Assets

Sale of depreciated business assets, such as selling cookbooks on Amazon.com used in a catering business, or closing of the business altogether may require reporting of capital gains, ordinary gains, and depreciation recapture.

Learn About Your Tax Obligations: Contact a Tax Attorney Today

As the saying goes, the only sure things in life are death and taxes. So if you're starting an internet-based business or just beginning to sell goods online, you will need to learn about your tax obligations. First, you need to be clear about whether it is in fact taxable as business income and not related to a hobby or a "garage" sale. Get started today and find a qualified tax law attorney near you.