As this relates to my "normal" profession, let me post a few things to keep in mind.
The IRS rules say - "Generally, all US citizens are liable for federal income tax on their world wide income, without regard to whether the income arose from sources within or outside the United States."
The rules further go on to define what is income - "Gross income for federal income tax purposes mean ALL income from whatever source, except for the items specifically excluded by the Code (Code Sec 61). For the excluded items, consult your tax person. All income from scrapping would be reportable, whether or not you receive a 1099. Check or cash doesn't make any difference either. It is all reportable.
On the other hand, the IRS rules also state that - "a taxpayer, may deduct from gross income the ordinary and necessary expenses of carrying on a trade or business that are paid or incurred during the year."
I tell clients that, if they need to spend the money to help you make the money then it is deductible. If you have extra help available on a weekend and you run out of gas for the cutting torch, it would be reasonable to drive 120 mile round trip to get full bottles. However, it would not be ordinary and necessary to drive from Texas to California to get gas for the torch. The thing to keep in mind is be reasonable and prudent.
How can you get caught? I have seen cases where a person purchased a new Harley with the proceeds of scrap appliances. The now ex-girlfriend called the IRS, the audit started and the guy had no defense and could not prove how he had a loss on his business and was able to pay cash for the cycle. He had to pay tax, underpayment penalty, negligence penalty, several other penalties and interest. He wasn't happy, but now brings in every cash ticket - income and expenses - to make sure he never has to suffer thru that again.
The bottom line? Report everything - income and expenses and you will never have to worry about sleeping at night or having anyone question your integrity. Don't report everything and risk the possibility of someone suspecting you and turning you into the IRS to collect a reward (and yes they have a form for that!) Also remember that not reporting all of your income is fraud. There is no statute of limitation on fraud with the IRS. They can go back as many years as they want to.
The solution? Get your business to the point that it makes a great profit for you. That will leave you with enough to pay yourself AND your taxes.
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