BOOK A CALL WITH RALPH
Ask Ralph: Christian Finance
April 2, 2019

Business Versus Hobby

Business Versus Hobby

Episode 158

Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
YouTube Channel podcast player badge
Rumble podcast player badge
Amazon Music podcast player badge
Podurama podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Spotify podcast player icon YouTube Channel podcast player icon Rumble podcast player icon Amazon Music podcast player icon Podurama podcast player icon
Season 3

You have started a business and you aren't making a profit. You've heard that the IRS won't accept business deductions if it considered your business a "hobby", but what it the truth? On today's show, Ralph discusses how the IRS distinguishes between legitimate business and hobby activities, for the purpose of taxes and what that means for you.

Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information.

To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information.

Thank you for listening to the Ask Ralph podcast. We encourage you to follow us on our social media pages and rate our show. For more information about the topics discussed on the podcast visit Saggio Accounting+PLUS.

Featured Episodes

What are 7 things I can do to get the highest price when selling my car?
What are 7 things I can do to get the highest price when selling my car?
I’ve been scammed online – what are 5 things I should do immediately?
I’ve been scammed online – what are 5 things I should do immediately?
What are 5 things to consider before buying groceries with my credit card?
What are 5 things to consider before buying groceries with my credit card?
How can I build effective Christian unity?
How can I build effective Christian unity?
My parents failed to prepare for retirement and are now 70 – what can I do to help them?
My parents failed to prepare for retirement and are now 70 – what can I do to h…
Why don’t I feel like I’m doing well financially – even though I am according to most experts?
Why don’t I feel like I’m doing well financially – even though I am according t…
What is an EIN and why would I need one?
What is an EIN and why would I need one?
Why looking poor can be the key to being rich?
Why looking poor can be the key to being rich?
How can I avoid losing my retirement benefits to an online scammer?
How can I avoid losing my retirement benefits to an online scammer?
How do I build a death binder and what should I include in it?
How do I build a death binder and what should I include in it?
What are some of the most popular misconceptions of money in scripture?
What are some of the most popular misconceptions of money in scripture?
What are common things that most people don’t know about social security?
What are common things that most people don’t know about social security?
What are 7 alternatives to buying a home in your golden years?
What are 7 alternatives to buying a home in your golden years?
What are the differences between the two types of 529 plans?
What are the differences between the two types of 529 plans?
What are 7 credit card debt myths that nobody should believe?
What are 7 credit card debt myths that nobody should believe?
What are the best cash apps and what are best practices for using them?
What are the best cash apps and what are best practices for using them?
What are the biggest financial challenges for those couples retiring at different times?
What are the biggest financial challenges for those couples retiring at differe…
How do I find joy in the midst of trouble?
How do I find joy in the midst of trouble?
What are the best ways to save money when selling a home?
What are the best ways to save money when selling a home?
What do I do if I find myself house rich and cash strapped as an older American?
What do I do if I find myself house rich and cash strapped as an older American?
Why is a wealth tax such a terrible idea?
Why is a wealth tax such a terrible idea?
What are the 9 riskiest places to give your social security number?
What are the 9 riskiest places to give your social security number?
How can I use my retirement account as an emergency ATM?
How can I use my retirement account as an emergency ATM?
What are the top 5 things people do to stay wealthy?
What are the top 5 things people do to stay wealthy?
What are some ways I can develop spiritual grit?
What are some ways I can develop spiritual grit?
What do I do if the bank closed my account?
What do I do if the bank closed my account?
What are the top 9 reasons why small businesses fail?
What are the top 9 reasons why small businesses fail?
Is it true that I can lose my passport if I don’t pay my taxes?
Is it true that I can lose my passport if I don’t pay my taxes?
How can I buy a house with no income?
How can I buy a house with no income?
What is meant by surveillance pricing and does it cost us more?
What is meant by surveillance pricing and does it cost us more?
What happens if I outlive my life insurance?
What happens if I outlive my life insurance?
How can I use faith to rebuild my daily motivation?
How can I use faith to rebuild my daily motivation?
What are the 7 insurance options to consider to protect your retirement – a discussion all about supplemental insurance?
What are the 7 insurance options to consider to protect your retirement – a dis…
How much money do I need to have saved to cover health care costs in retirement?
How much money do I need to have saved to cover health care costs in retirement?
What is the rule of 55 and how can I use it to reduce my taxes?
What is the rule of 55 and how can I use it to reduce my taxes?
Should I purchase special medical insurance when I travel abroad?
Should I purchase special medical insurance when I travel abroad?
What are some of the best online deals banks offer for opening a new account?
What are some of the best online deals banks offer for opening a new account?
What are the 5 most common places retirees spend their money in retirement?
What are the 5 most common places retirees spend their money in retirement?
How do I effectively embrace God's gift of rest?
How do I effectively embrace God's gift of rest?
What are the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust?
What are the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust?
What are 9 signs that show that I am financially secure?
What are 9 signs that show that I am financially secure?
Why states with no income tax aren’t as affordable as they may seem?
Why states with no income tax aren’t as affordable as they may seem?
How do I handle lending money to friends and family and what are the tax issues related to making those loans?
How do I handle lending money to friends and family and what are the tax issues…
What are 7 ways my bank can help me stick to my budget?
What are 7 ways my bank can help me stick to my budget?
What do experts say about how much is the maximum amount to deposit to a CD?
What do experts say about how much is the maximum amount to deposit to a CD?
How do I learn to effectively apologize?
How do I learn to effectively apologize?
What are 9 terrible pieces of money advice to ignore if you want to get rich?
What are 9 terrible pieces of money advice to ignore if you want to get rich?
What are the 7 best investment choices for frugal people?
What are the 7 best investment choices for frugal people?
What is the tax impact of getting a lump sum versus routine payout of retirement?
What is the tax impact of getting a lump sum versus routine payout of retiremen…
What are 9 unexpected costs of selling your home?
What are 9 unexpected costs of selling your home?
What do I do when I lose my wallet to protect from identity theft?
What do I do when I lose my wallet to protect from identity theft?
What are 7 common traits of Americans who can never, ever, retire?
What are 7 common traits of Americans who can never, ever, retire?
How can I manage my anxiety by using my faith?
How can I manage my anxiety by using my faith?
Should I have joint accounts with my children or rely on a Power of Attorney?
Should I have joint accounts with my children or rely on a Power of Attorney?
How do I budget for my pet care expenses?
How do I budget for my pet care expenses?
What steps can I take to avoid a tax time bomb in retirement?
What steps can I take to avoid a tax time bomb in retirement?
How can I discuss pension income during the dating process?
How can I discuss pension income during the dating process?
What are the top 7 debt collections scams to avoid?
What are the top 7 debt collections scams to avoid?
What are ten things I should never do with my credit card?
What are ten things I should never do with my credit card?
How do I find joy in the mundane?
How do I find joy in the mundane?
How do I live out my Christian Faith through my finances? Replay of my interview with Paul Granger
How do I live out my Christian Faith through my finances? Replay of my intervie…
Why does a good credit score matter even in retirement?
Why does a good credit score matter even in retirement?
How can I keep from burdening my heirs with an inherited IRA?
How can I keep from burdening my heirs with an inherited IRA?
What happens to your debts after you die?
What happens to your debts after you die?
What are 9 reasons I should still write checks?
What are 9 reasons I should still write checks?
How do we handle our finances effectively as a couple? Interview with Karen Hackman a couples financial expert.
How do we handle our finances effectively as a couple? Interview with Karen Hac…
How do I work at cultivating Christian community?
How do I work at cultivating Christian community?
What are 5 regrets of Americans who called it quits too early by retiring?
What are 5 regrets of Americans who called it quits too early by retiring?
What are the best money lessons to teach your kids?
What are the best money lessons to teach your kids?
Is life insurance taxable?
Is life insurance taxable?
What are 10 things that banks don’t want you to know which could cost you money?
What are 10 things that banks don’t want you to know which could cost you money?
How do I avoid being the victim of a squishing scam?
How do I avoid being the victim of a squishing scam?
How can I beat the dealership in the finance office?
How can I beat the dealership in the finance office?
How do I live out my Christian calling?
How do I live out my Christian calling?
What are 5 tips for choosing an insurance agent or broker?
What are 5 tips for choosing an insurance agent or broker?
What are 7 money mistakes made by those over 50?
What are 7 money mistakes made by those over 50?
What are 8 common reasons for getting audited by the IRS?
What are 8 common reasons for getting audited by the IRS?
How do I get my infant on the course to great credit?
How do I get my infant on the course to great credit?
Do I need a VPN and why is it so useful?
Do I need a VPN and why is it so useful?
What is your bank not telling you about using your debit card?
What is your bank not telling you about using your debit card?
What are some ways I can learn to tame my tongue?
What are some ways I can learn to tame my tongue?
What are the specific things I should consider when buying a business?
What are the specific things I should consider when buying a business?
What are the four types of student loans?
What are the four types of student loans?
How do I prepare for an audit of my home office expenses?
How do I prepare for an audit of my home office expenses?
Why should I consider collecting social security benefits early?
Why should I consider collecting social security benefits early?
Have I become a virtual hermit?
Have I become a virtual hermit?
How does my retirement balance compare to other people of my same age?
How does my retirement balance compare to other people of my same age?
How do I discern Gods will for my life?
How do I discern Gods will for my life?
What are the 7 documents I should always keep?
What are the 7 documents I should always keep?
What are the top financial tips for transitioning into retirement?
What are the top financial tips for transitioning into retirement?
Where should you pull money from first in retirement to optimize your taxes?
Where should you pull money from first in retirement to optimize your taxes?
What are some essential money management tips for individuals as well as business owners?
What are some essential money management tips for individuals as well as busine…
What is the future of artificial intelligence and how does it impact my Christian Faith?
What is the future of artificial intelligence and how does it impact my Christi…
Am I paying too much for rent?
Am I paying too much for rent?
How can I see the holy scriptures with fresh eyes?
How can I see the holy scriptures with fresh eyes?
Should I refinance my auto loan and how do I even do it?
Should I refinance my auto loan and how do I even do it?
How do social security survivor benefits work?
How do social security survivor benefits work?
I just got married – do you have a newlywed tax checklist for me to follow?
I just got married – do you have a newlywed tax checklist for me to follow?
What are 10 expenses I can drop immediately and not even miss them?
What are 10 expenses I can drop immediately and not even miss them?
Should I take a digital sabbath and how do I do it?
Should I take a digital sabbath and how do I do it?
Should I play the bank bonus game?
Should I play the bank bonus game?
Am I too far gone for forgiveness?
Am I too far gone for forgiveness?
How Can High Income Individuals Optimize Their Taxes?
How Can High Income Individuals Optimize Their Taxes?
What is meant by the social security earnings cap and how does that affect my future benefits?
What is meant by the social security earnings cap and how does that affect my f…
What is the tax impact of gifting someone stock?
What is the tax impact of gifting someone stock?
How do I rebuild my credit after a financial crisis?
How do I rebuild my credit after a financial crisis?
How do I set healthy boundaries with social media from a Godly Perspective?
How do I set healthy boundaries with social media from a Godly Perspective?
How am I going to pay for the childrens college education?
How am I going to pay for the childrens college education?
How do I respond to financial trials and uncertainty by using my faith?
How do I respond to financial trials and uncertainty by using my faith?
Is it possible to estimate my future social security benefits?
Is it possible to estimate my future social security benefits?
How can I use financial “fasting” to grow closer to God?
How can I use financial “fasting” to grow closer to God?
How do I handle getting audited by the IRS?
How do I handle getting audited by the IRS?
What are seven financial perks of maintaining great credit?
What are seven financial perks of maintaining great credit?
How can I protect myself from identity theft online?
How can I protect myself from identity theft online?
Should you get a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit?
Should you get a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit?
How do I manage poverty, wealth, and material needs with a heavenly mindset?
How do I manage poverty, wealth, and material needs with a heavenly mindset?
How do I get started walking for fitness – a great interview with David Paul and his daily podcast “Walking is Fitness”
How do I get started walking for fitness – a great interview with David Paul an…
What are the 401K beneficiary rules I need to know and make sure I am aware of when managing my retirement accounts?
What are the 401K beneficiary rules I need to know and make sure I am aware of …
How do I reduce my taxes when I take money from my 401K or other retirement account?
How do I reduce my taxes when I take money from my 401K or other retirement acc…
How do I make sure I’m not filing a false tax return with the IRS?
How do I make sure I’m not filing a false tax return with the IRS?
What are some faith-based investing principles and tools I can use to grow my investments and maintain my faith?
What are some faith-based investing principles and tools I can use to grow my i…
How do I repair my bad credit?
How do I repair my bad credit?
What does biblical tithing actually mean and how do I develop a giving plan based on biblical principles?
What does biblical tithing actually mean and how do I develop a giving plan bas…
What are the 8 types of homeowners insurance and which should I have for my home?
What are the 8 types of homeowners insurance and which should I have for my hom…
Is it better to rent or buy a home? How do I decide what’s best for me?
Is it better to rent or buy a home? How do I decide what’s best for me?
What is the Secure Act 2.0 and how does this affect my retirement?
What is the Secure Act 2.0 and how does this affect my retirement?
My credit score has dropped below 700, what do I need to stop doing right away to improve my credit score?
My credit score has dropped below 700, what do I need to stop doing right away…
What are the best online sources for online banking, bill payment and what are best ways to keep from gettng scammed?
What are the best online sources for online banking, bill payment and what are …
How do I select the credit card which is best for me?
How do I select the credit card which is best for me?
How do I stop battling comparison with others and find contentment in Christ?
How do I stop battling comparison with others and find contentment in Christ?
How do I evaluate my life insurance needs? How much life insurance do I really need?
How do I evaluate my life insurance needs? How much life insurance do I really …
When it the right time to refinance my home?
When it the right time to refinance my home?
What are these FICA taxes taken out of my paycheck and what is the trust fund?
What are these FICA taxes taken out of my paycheck and what is the trust fund?
What are the 10 secret savings rules which they didn’t teach you in school?
What are the 10 secret savings rules which they didn’t teach you in school?
What are some apps I can use to rebuild my credit?
What are some apps I can use to rebuild my credit?
What are the ten money habits which are hurting my relationships?
What are the ten money habits which are hurting my relationships?
How can I make work and career decisions according to Gods will?
How can I make work and career decisions according to Gods will?
How do I payoff a debt in collections?
How do I payoff a debt in collections?
Is it safe to invest in precious metal IRAs?
Is it safe to invest in precious metal IRAs?
How do I handle taxes when I work in multiple states?
How do I handle taxes when I work in multiple states?
Is my side hustle actually illegal?
Is my side hustle actually illegal?
Should I get a no credit check or other online loan?
Should I get a no credit check or other online loan?
What is a home warranty and should I have one?
What is a home warranty and should I have one?
How do I become debt free through Godly wisdom and discipline?
How do I become debt free through Godly wisdom and discipline?
What should I keep in my safe deposit box? Do I even need one?
What should I keep in my safe deposit box? Do I even need one?
What do I do when I inherit property with someone else?
What do I do when I inherit property with someone else?
How many years can the IRS audit my returns?
How many years can the IRS audit my returns?
How can you manage unexpected expenses without getting trapped in a debt cycle?
How can you manage unexpected expenses without getting trapped in a debt cycle?
What is an ETF and is it a safe investment for me?
What is an ETF and is it a safe investment for me?
Are Credit Counseling Services Really a Scam or Do They Help People in Debt?
Are Credit Counseling Services Really a Scam or Do They Help People in Debt?
How Can You Balance Wealth and Generosity Biblically?
How Can You Balance Wealth and Generosity Biblically?
How Can Small Business Owners Increase Their Company's Value?
How Can Small Business Owners Increase Their Company's Value?
Should You Put Money Down on Your Next Car Purchase?
Should You Put Money Down on Your Next Car Purchase?
What Really Happens If You Cheat on Your Taxes?
What Really Happens If You Cheat on Your Taxes?
Are You Prepared for the Unexpected Expenses of Maintaining a Home?
Are You Prepared for the Unexpected Expenses of Maintaining a Home?
How FDIC Insurance Protects Your Bank Deposits?
How FDIC Insurance Protects Your Bank Deposits?
How to Navigate Credit Card Offers Wisely and Avoid Common Traps
How to Navigate Credit Card Offers Wisely and Avoid Common Traps
How to Prepare for a Fear-Free Retirement with Practical and Spiritual Guidance
How to Prepare for a Fear-Free Retirement with Practical and Spiritual Guidance
What Do I Do When My Car Lease Ends?
What Do I Do When My Car Lease Ends?
How go I get my adult children to leave the nest?
How go I get my adult children to leave the nest?
What are Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs?
What are Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs?
Could AI in Lending Hurt Your Chances of getting a loan?
Could AI in Lending Hurt Your Chances of getting a loan?
Setting Limits on Smartphone Use to Help Children Thrive in a Digital World
Setting Limits on Smartphone Use to Help Children Thrive in a Digital World
Debt Free: Bankruptcy And Debt Management To Overcome Your Financial Burden
Debt Free: Bankruptcy And Debt Management To Overcome Your Financial Burden
How to Overcome Guilt and Find Spiritual Freedom
How to Overcome Guilt and Find Spiritual Freedom
How to Achieve Sustainable Success in Business After Burnout with Entrepreneur Ral West
How to Achieve Sustainable Success in Business After Burnout with Entrepreneur …
Achieving Your Financial Goals Through Intentional Budgeting
Achieving Your Financial Goals Through Intentional Budgeting
Stay Out of Trouble with the IRS: Penalty Prevention Tips
Stay Out of Trouble with the IRS: Penalty Prevention Tips
Revealing Hidden Facts: Shocking Job Situations
Revealing Hidden Facts: Shocking Job Situations
Balancing Fame and Faith: The Journey of an Influencer
Balancing Fame and Faith: The Journey of an Influencer
From Grief to Guidance: Managing Inherited Property
From Grief to Guidance: Managing Inherited Property
Excellence as Worship: Aligning Life with God's Standards
Excellence as Worship: Aligning Life with God's Standards
The Path to Podcasting Success with Dave Jackson
The Path to Podcasting Success with Dave Jackson
The Truth About Annuities: Guaranteed Income or Scam?
The Truth About Annuities: Guaranteed Income or Scam?
Tax Refund Troubles: Steps to Take When the Unexpected Happens
Tax Refund Troubles: Steps to Take When the Unexpected Happens
Maximize Your Grocery Budget: Practical Tips and Listener Advice
Maximize Your Grocery Budget: Practical Tips and Listener Advice
Declutter Your Digital Life: Practical Tips for Digital Organization
Declutter Your Digital Life: Practical Tips for Digital Organization
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls in Retirement
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls in Retirement
The Art of Building Relationships: A Path to Prosperity
The Art of Building Relationships: A Path to Prosperity
A Special Mothers Day Message
A Special Mothers Day Message
Beyond the Garage: Navigating Success with Nick Gadaleta and Ralph Estep, Jr.
Beyond the Garage: Navigating Success with Nick Gadaleta and Ralph Estep, Jr.
Peace of Mind: The Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance
Peace of Mind: The Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance
Achieving Financial Freedom: A Procrastinator's Guide to Bill Payments
Achieving Financial Freedom: A Procrastinator's Guide to Bill Payments
Extended Warranties on Electronics
Extended Warranties on Electronics
Social Security Benefits from Divorce
Social Security Benefits from Divorce
Living in Gratitude
Living in Gratitude
Do you need an umbrella insurance policy?
Do you need an umbrella insurance policy?
The Self Storage Debate - Friend or Foe
The Self Storage Debate - Friend or Foe