The New IRS Rule on Reselling Concert, Sporting Event Tickets Could Impact a Large Number of Americans

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently issued a new rule that could have a profound impact on the way Americans buy and sell tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other forms of live entertainment. The rule focuses specifically on the practice of ticket reselling, whereby individuals purchase tickets to events and then resell them at a higher price for profit. While this practice has been commonplace for many years, the new IRS rule seeks to clamp down on it by requiring those who engage in ticket reselling to report it on their taxes. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into the new rule and explore how it might impact a large number of Americans.

What is the New IRS Rule on Ticket Reselling?

The new IRS rule on ticket reselling requires anyone who buys and sells tickets for concerts, sporting events, or any other form of live entertainment to report their profits or losses on their annual tax return. The rule applies to both professional ticket brokers as well as casual resellers who may only be selling a handful of tickets per year. The IRS considers ticket reselling to be a form of business activity, even if it is only a part-time or occasional pursuit.

The IRS has provided specific guidance on how to report ticket reselling on tax returns. Those who engage in this activity must fill out a Schedule C form, which is used to report income or losses from a business or profession. They must also keep detailed records of their ticket purchases and sales, as well as any expenses incurred during the process.

Why Did the IRS Institute this Rule?

The IRS has instituted this new rule on ticket reselling primarily to ensure that individuals who engage in this activity are paying their fair share of taxes. In the past, the IRS has had difficulty tracking down individuals who make a significant profit from selling tickets, as these transactions often occur in cash and aren’t reported to any government agency. By requiring individuals to report their profits or losses on their tax returns, the IRS hopes to reduce the number of people who are able to evade taxes through ticket reselling.

How Might the Rule Impact Ticket Resellers?

The new IRS rule on ticket reselling could have a significant impact on those who engage in this activity. First and foremost, it will require individuals to keep detailed records of all their ticket purchases and sales, which could be difficult for those who resell tickets on a casual or part-time basis. The rule will also require resellers to report any profits they make from selling tickets, which could result in higher tax bills for some individuals.

Another way the new rule could impact ticket resellers is by discouraging people from getting into the business in the first place. The additional paperwork and reporting requirements may make it too difficult or time-consuming for some people to bother with ticket reselling, which could reduce the supply of tickets on the secondary market. This could, in turn, drive up prices for consumers who are looking to purchase tickets to popular events.

How Might the Rule Impact Consumers?

While the new IRS rule on ticket reselling is primarily targeted at those who engage in this activity, it could also have an impact on consumers who buy tickets to events. If the rule does result in fewer people reselling tickets, it could make it more difficult for consumers to find tickets to certain events, particularly those that are in high demand. This could result in higher prices for tickets, as well as fewer options for consumers who are looking to attend these events.

On the other hand, the rule could also lead to more transparency in the ticket resale market, which could benefit consumers. By requiring ticket resellers to report their profits and losses, the IRS may be able to better regulate this industry and prevent fraud and other unethical practices. This could give consumers greater confidence in the secondary market and make it a more viable option for those looking to purchase tickets to popular events.

What Should Ticket Resellers Do Now?

If you are someone who engages in ticket reselling, it is important to be aware of the new IRS rule and to take steps to comply with it. This means keeping detailed records of all your ticket purchases and sales, as well as any expenses you incur during the process. It also means reporting your profits or losses on your annual tax return using the Schedule C form.

If you are new to ticket reselling, it is important to carefully consider whether this activity is worth the additional paperwork and reporting requirements. While it can be a profitable endeavor, the new IRS rule could make it more difficult and time-consuming than it was in the past.

Conclusion

The new IRS rule on ticket reselling is a significant development that could impact a large number of Americans who engage in this activity. While the rule is primarily aimed at ensuring that individuals who resell tickets are paying their fair share of taxes, it could also have unintended consequences for both ticket resellers and consumers. By keeping informed about the rule and complying with its reporting requirements, ticket resellers can ensure that they stay on the right side of the law. Meanwhile, consumers may need to brace for potential changes in the secondary market for event tickets.