[aartwmich]

Does anyone know the rules for selling arts and crafts and collecting EB benefits??

I am thinking of selling my art at shows and consignment at a local shop but not sure if this constistutes being in business (don't plan on registering as a business) or being self employed.

Appreciate an experienced advice.
TIA

[aartwmich]

I guess I should have added that I also am thinking of selling online....would that make a difference?

[Driller1]

It is income. It counts.

[MTUCache]

Originally Posted by Driller1

It is income. It counts.

I'm sure there's any number of loopholes that a good accountant or lawyer could use to get around that, but unless you happen to have one of those, I'd just go with this.

Granted, I don't think you'd get caught, and I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with selling your possessions on ebay to make some money while you're struggling. But if this is as big of a cottage industry as I think you're talking about it may raise some flags.

Then again, I know of plenty of guys who are collecting unemployment right now and still doing odd-jobs and trying to start their own businesses. The way they see it they'd rather support their family by any means necessary and if there's consequences to be paid later, so be it. Honestly, I can't say I'm not in that same mindset. When you're desperate enough to do anything to support your family, a small thing like this doesn't feel like that big of a deal.

Hell, you think there aren't thousands of stay-at-home parents right now who aren't pulling a couple of bucks watching their neighbors' kids after school while collecting unemployment? You definitely won't be making any most-wanted lists anytime soon.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by MTUCache

I'm sure there's any number of loopholes that a good accountant or lawyer could use to get around that, but unless you happen to have one of those, I'd just go with this.

Granted, I don't think you'd get caught, and I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with selling your possessions on ebay to make some money while you're struggling. But if this is as big of a cottage industry as I think you're talking about it may raise some flags.

Then again, I know of plenty of guys who are collecting unemployment right now and still doing odd-jobs and trying to start their own businesses. The way they see it they'd rather support their family by any means necessary and if there's consequences to be paid later, so be it. Honestly, I can't say I'm not in that same mindset. When you're desperate enough to do anything to support your family, a small thing like this doesn't feel like that big of a deal.

Hell, you think there aren't thousands of stay-at-home parents right now who aren't pulling a couple of bucks watching their neighbors' kids after school while collecting unemployment? You definitely won't be making any most-wanted lists anytime soon.

You could get arount it with taxes, EBT, no. Likley to be caught, no.

[aartwmich]

Yeah, the tax thing is one issue...unemployment comp another issue altogether.

I don't mind claiming the income as it's not much, but having a business might exclude me from compensation and that is what I am most concerned about.