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Start-Up Costs: Correct Reporting By Farmers For Income Tax Purposes, Guido Van Der Hoeven

Rural Tax Education

Income tax rules apply to expenses that are incurred and paid before a business exists. These expenses are referred to as “start-up expenditures” or “start-up costs.” The IRS provides guidance relative to the deductibility of these start-up costs for any individual or entity beginning a new business, such as a farm. These rules apply regardless of the nature of the business or the organizational structure ultimately used in operating the new business. A challenge for the beginning business owner is to identify the “start date” of the business. Expenses incurred prior to the start date are generally considered start-up expenses, …

What Is Farming? Does Reporting Matter?, George Patrick

Rural Tax Education

Many rural families combine a number of economic activities to generate additional family income. Farm production activities may be combined with full-time employment in farming or in the non-farm sector. Part-time employment may involve several seasonal jobs during the year or a part-time job throughout the year.

Generally, an employed individual will receive a Form W-2 reporting the wages received and taxes withheld. In other situations, the individual may be contracted to perform a specified task or provide a service and properly receive a Form 1099-MISC. The individual generally has responsibility for paying the self-employment tax as well as the …