Wondering how other officials deal with the good ol IRS this time of year. Question is if you work a light load of games during the year (20 or 30 or less say) I'm wondering if you need to claim that as income? or is this considered a hobby? Some schools for some reason take your SSN and then cut you a check, anyone know why some schools require a SSN are they reporting this some how? I would think if they were you would then get a W2.

You will probably only get a 1099 from the schools if you make over $600 during the year from that institution (or school district, if that is how the fees are paid).

The income is supposed to be reported whether you get a 1099, a W2 or neither. You don't want it to be classified as a "hobby" -- if it is, you still claim the income, but can't claim any of the expenses.

In general, put your income and expenses on Schedule C and complete schedule SE.

So we can claim all the uniform expenses, training, etc?

yes...as long as you keep good records and receipts, and report the income made, you can deduct the expenses. You will use Schedule C on your tax return.

Actually, if it is a hobby you can still claim expenses, but only up to the amount of the income. What you cannot do is claim a loss. An IRS red flag is alledged (IRS does not disclose actual red flags) to be more than 3 consecutive years of losses from secondary occupations.

Mike

Don't forget round trip mileage to games and meetings, association dues and fees, expenses for professional memberships (officating.com; Referee magazine), rule books, instructional books and tapes, etc. The cost of uniforms is limited to things that cannot be worn outside of the activity - so the Cliff Keen mesh shirt is deductible, but the navy teeshirt is not.

Mike