Introduction

This publication explains general tax information of interest to direct sellers. It covers how to treat income, expenses, and other items related to having a direct-sales business. It also illustrates two filled-in tax forms that most direct sellers must file along with Form 1040. They are Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business, and Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax.

Who is a direct seller? Some of the characteristics that identify direct sellers are listed below. A more complete discussion is contained under the heading Who Is a Direct Seller?, later.

• How you sell. You sell consumer products to others on a person-to-person basis, usually working out of your home. Or, you deliver or distribute newspapers or shopping news.
• Where you sell. You may sell door-to-door, through the sales party plan, or by appointment in someone else's home.
• When you sell. You may sell on a regular basis or only occasionally. You may sell full-time or part-time, such as a sideline to a regular job.

Who is not a direct seller? You are not a direct seller if you are employed in a store, sell through a retail sales outlet, or sell your employer's product away from the employer's place of business.

Comments and suggestions. We welcome your comments about this publication and your suggestions for future editions.

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Internal Revenue Service
Technical Publications Branch
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Washington, DC 20224

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