TN 51 (09-24)
The term “trade or business” shall not include services as an employee.
The following are deemed to be self-employed regardless of their possible status as employees:
Newspaper vendors who have attained age 18;
Sharefarmers;
A duly ordained, commissioned or licensed minister of a church in the exercise of their ministry or by a member of a religious order in the exercise of duties required by such order;
Certain employees of Foreign Governments and international organizations when the services are performed in the U.S. by a U.S. citizen;
Certain employees of State and local governments in positions compensated solely on a fee basis;
Certain members of fishing boat crews and other individuals who work on boats engaged in catching fish or other forms of marine life;
Real estate agents and direct sellers meeting certain conditions;
Employees of churches or church-controlled organizations that elect not to participate in Social Security.
Develop only if material. If development is necessary, first determine whether there is an employer-employee relationship. If none, develop trade or business, or whether income is excluded as above.
Accept the individual's allegation if:
The activity could constitute a trade or business;
Service would be covered if performed as an employee, and;
There was a consistent reporting of earnings.