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IRS Schedule C 1040 Sample

SCHEDULE C

 

Profit or Loss From Business

 

OMB No. 1545-0074

 

 

(Form 1040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Sole Proprietorship)

 

2020

 

Department of the Treasury

 

Go to www.irs.gov/ScheduleC for instructions and the latest information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachment

Internal Revenue Service (99)

 

Attach to Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1041; partnerships generally must file Form 1065.

Sequence No. 09

Name of proprietor

 

 

 

Social security number (SSN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

Principal business or profession, including product or service (see instructions)

 

B Enter code from instructions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

Business name. If no separate business name, leave blank.

D Employer ID number (EIN) (see instr.)

EBusiness address (including suite or room no.) City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code

F

Accounting method:

(1)

Cash

(2)

Accrual

(3)

Other (specify)

G

Did you “materially participate” in the operation of this business during 2020? If “No,” see instructions for limit on losses .

H

If you started or acquired this business during 2020, check here .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I

Did you make any payments in 2020 that would require you to file Form(s) 1099? See instructions

J

If “Yes,” did you or will you file required Form(s) 1099?

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Part I Income

1

Gross receipts or sales. See instructions for line 1 and check the box if this income was reported to you on

 

 

 

Form W-2 and the “Statutory employee” box on that form was checked

. . . . . . . .

.

1

 

2

Returns and allowances

. . . . . . . . . . .

 

2

 

3

Subtract line 2 from line 1

. . . . . . . . . . .

 

3

 

4

Cost of goods sold (from line 42)

. . . . . . . . . . .

 

4

 

5

Gross profit. Subtract line 4 from line 3

. . . . . . . . . . .

 

5

 

6

Other income, including federal and state gasoline or fuel tax credit or refund (see instructions) . . . .

6

 

7

Gross income. Add lines 5 and 6

. . . . . . . .

.

.

7

 

Part II

Expenses. Enter expenses for business use of your home only on line 30.

 

 

 

 

 

8

Advertising

8

 

 

18

Office expense (see instructions)

18

 

9

Car and truck expenses (see

 

 

 

19

Pension and profit-sharing plans .

19

 

 

instructions)

9

 

 

20

Rent or lease (see instructions):

 

 

10

Commissions and fees .

10

 

 

a

Vehicles, machinery, and equipment

20a

 

11

Contract labor (see instructions)

11

 

 

b

Other business property . . .

20b

 

12

Depletion

12

 

 

21

Repairs and maintenance . . .

21

 

13

Depreciation and section 179

 

 

 

22

Supplies (not included in Part III) .

22

 

 

expense deduction (not

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23

Taxes and licenses

23

 

 

included in Part III) (see

 

 

 

 

 

instructions)

13

 

 

24

Travel and meals:

 

 

 

 

 

14

Employee benefit programs

 

 

 

a

Travel

24a

 

 

(other than on line 19) . .

14

 

 

b

Deductible meals (see

 

 

 

 

 

15

Insurance (other than health)

15

 

 

 

instructions)

24b

 

16

Interest (see instructions):

 

 

 

25

Utilities

25

 

a

Mortgage (paid to banks, etc.)

16a

 

 

26

Wages (less employment credits) .

26

 

b

Other

16b

 

 

27a

Other expenses (from line 48) . .

27a

 

17

Legal and professional services

17

 

 

b

Reserved for future use . . .

27b

 

28

Total expenses before expenses for business use of home. Add lines 8 through 27a . . . .

.

.

28

 

29

Tentative profit or (loss). Subtract line 28 from line 7

. . . . . . . . . . .

 

29

 

30

Expenses for business use of your home. Do not report these expenses elsewhere. Attach Form 8829

 

 

 

unless using the simplified method. See instructions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simplified method filers only: Enter the total square footage of (a) your home:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and (b) the part of your home used for business:

 

 

 

 

. Use the Simplified

 

 

 

Method Worksheet in the instructions to figure the amount to enter on line 30

30

 

31

Net profit or (loss). Subtract line 30 from line 29.

 

 

 

 

 

}

 

 

 

 

• If a profit, enter on both Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 3, and on Schedule SE, line 2. (If you

 

 

 

 

 

checked the box on line 1, see instructions). Estates and trusts, enter on Form 1041, line 3.

 

 

31

 

 

• If a loss, you must go to line 32.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

If you have a loss, check the box that describes your investment in this activity. See instructions.

 

}

 

 

 

 

• If you checked 32a, enter the loss on both Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 3, and on Schedule

 

 

32a

All investment is at risk.

 

SE, line 2. (If you checked the box on line 1, see the line 31 instructions). Estates and trusts, enter on

 

 

 

 

 

32b

Some investment is not

 

Form 1041, line 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at risk.

 

• If you checked 32b, you must attach Form 6198. Your loss may be limited.

 

 

 

 

 

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

 

 

Cat. No. 11334P

 

 

 

 

Schedule C (Form 1040) 2020

Schedule C (Form 1040) 2020

Page 2

Part III

Cost of Goods Sold (see instructions)

 

33

Method(s) used to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

value closing inventory:

a

Cost

b

Lower of cost or market

c

Other (attach explanation)

34Was there any change in determining quantities, costs, or valuations between opening and closing inventory?

If “Yes,” attach explanation

Yes

No

35

Inventory at beginning of year. If different from last year’s closing inventory, attach explanation . . .

35

 

36

Purchases less cost of items withdrawn for personal use

36

 

37

Cost of labor. Do not include any amounts paid to yourself

37

 

38

Materials and supplies

38

 

39

Other costs

39

 

40

Add lines 35 through 39

40

 

41

Inventory at end of year

41

 

42

Cost of goods sold. Subtract line 41 from line 40. Enter the result here and on line 4

42

 

Part IV

Information on Your Vehicle. Complete this part only if you are claiming car or truck expenses on line 9

 

 

and are not required to file Form 4562 for this business. See the instructions for line 13 to find out if you must

 

 

file Form 4562.

 

 

 

 

43

When did you place your vehicle in service for business purposes? (month/day/year)

/

/

 

44Of the total number of miles you drove your vehicle during 2020, enter the number of miles you used your vehicle for:

a

Business

b Commuting (see instructions)

c Other

 

45

Was your vehicle available for personal use during off-duty hours? . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes

46

Do you (or your spouse) have another vehicle available for personal use?.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes

47a

Do you have evidence to support your deduction?

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes

b

If “Yes,” is the evidence written?

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes

Part V Other Expenses. List below business expenses not included on lines 8–26 or line 30.

No

No

No

No

48 Total other expenses. Enter here and on line 27a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

48

Schedule C (Form 1040) 2020

Instructions on Utilizing IRS Schedule C 1040

Completing the IRS Schedule C (Form 1040) is an important step for reporting income from self-employment. Ensure that you have all necessary documents and information on hand before you begin. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form accurately.

  1. Begin by entering your name and Social Security number at the top of the form.
  2. In Part I, provide your business name and address. If you operate under a different name, include that as well.
  3. Indicate your business activity by writing a brief description of what your business does.
  4. Fill out the appropriate box to indicate whether your business is a sole proprietorship or another type of entity.
  5. In Line 1, report your gross receipts or sales for the year. Ensure that this figure is accurate and reflects your total income.
  6. Complete Lines 2 through 7 to account for any returns, allowances, and cost of goods sold, if applicable.
  7. In Part II, list your business expenses. Include categories such as advertising, car and truck expenses, and utilities. Fill out each line with the appropriate amount.
  8. Calculate your total expenses and enter that figure on Line 28.
  9. Subtract your total expenses from your gross income to determine your net profit or loss. Enter this amount on Line 31.
  10. Finally, sign and date the form at the bottom. This confirms that all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

After completing the form, ensure that you keep a copy for your records. Submit the Schedule C along with your Form 1040 when filing your taxes. Double-check all entries for accuracy to avoid any issues with the IRS.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: Schedule C is only for large businesses.

    Many people believe that only large corporations need to file Schedule C. In reality, this form is primarily for sole proprietors, freelancers, and independent contractors, regardless of their size.

  • Misconception 2: You can’t deduct home office expenses.

    Some individuals think that claiming a home office is impossible. However, if you use part of your home exclusively for business, you can deduct related expenses.

  • Misconception 3: All business expenses are deductible.

    Not every expense qualifies as a deduction. Only ordinary and necessary expenses directly related to your business can be deducted.

  • Misconception 4: You must have a separate business bank account.

    While it’s a good practice to keep personal and business finances separate, it’s not a legal requirement. However, mixing funds can complicate your record-keeping.

  • Misconception 5: You can ignore income from side gigs.

    Some believe that income from side jobs doesn’t need to be reported. This is incorrect; all income must be reported, regardless of its source.

  • Misconception 6: Filing Schedule C guarantees a tax refund.

    Filing Schedule C does not automatically mean you’ll receive a refund. Your overall tax situation, including income and deductions, determines your tax liability.

  • Misconception 7: You can claim personal expenses as business expenses.

    Some individuals mistakenly think they can deduct personal expenses. Only expenses that are strictly for business purposes are eligible for deductions.

  • Misconception 8: You don’t need to keep records if you file Schedule C.

    Failing to keep accurate records can lead to problems. It’s essential to maintain detailed records of income and expenses to support your deductions.

  • Misconception 9: You can file Schedule C after the tax deadline without penalties.

    Filing late can result in penalties and interest. It’s crucial to file on time or request an extension if necessary.

  • Misconception 10: You don’t need to report cash income.

    All income, including cash payments, must be reported. The IRS requires transparency, and failing to report income can lead to serious consequences.

Documents used along the form

The IRS Schedule C (Form 1040) is essential for sole proprietors to report income and expenses from their business. However, several other forms and documents often accompany it to provide a complete picture of a taxpayer's financial situation. Here are four commonly used forms that may be required alongside Schedule C.

  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form. Taxpayers use it to report their total income, including wages, dividends, and business income from Schedule C. It serves as the foundation for calculating overall tax liability.
  • Schedule SE: This form is used to calculate self-employment tax. If you earn more than a certain threshold from self-employment, you must file Schedule SE to determine how much you owe for Social Security and Medicare taxes.
  • Form 4562: This form is necessary for reporting depreciation and amortization of business assets. If you purchased equipment or property for your business, you would use Form 4562 to claim deductions for the wear and tear on those assets.
  • Motorcycle Bill of Sale: This document is crucial for recording the sale and transfer of ownership of a motorcycle to ensure a smooth transaction. For more details, visit https://nypdfforms.com/motorcycle-bill-of-sale-form.
  • Form 8829: This form is used to calculate expenses for business use of your home. If you qualify to deduct home office expenses, Form 8829 helps you determine the amount you can claim based on the portion of your home used for business purposes.

Using these forms in conjunction with Schedule C ensures that you accurately report your business income and expenses. Proper documentation helps you maximize deductions and comply with IRS requirements.