What business code should I use for Schedule C as a museum contractor?

Thanks for this info, but I'm confused about something... I do administrative work but also deal with historical artifacts. Would I use the museum code itself (712110) or one of these service codes you mentioned? Does it matter a lot which one I pick?

The code you choose should best represent what YOU do as a contractor, not what the museum does as a whole. Since you're performing services FOR the museum rather than operating a museum yourself, one of the service codes would be more appropriate. It does matter to some extent because the IRS uses these codes for statistical purposes and to help identify returns for examination. However, selecting a slightly imperfect code won't cause your return to be rejected. Choose the one that most closely represents your specific services, which sounds like either professional services (541900) or administrative services (561110) based on your description.

Did they just give you the code or did they explain why that code instead of something else? I'm doing freelance museum education programs and I'm stuck between a few different codes.

I'm skeptical about these online services. Couldn't you just look at the IRS list yourself? How do you know they gave you the right code and not just something that sounds close?

They actually gave a detailed explanation of why that specific code best matched my work activities, not just the code itself. They compared several options and explained the nuances between them, which was really helpful. For your freelance museum education work, they'd ask about the specific activities you perform - like if you're developing curriculum materials, giving tours, or working primarily with schools or the general public. Those details affect which code is most appropriate. The value comes from their specialized knowledge of the tax code. Sure, I could have looked at the IRS list myself (and I did), but there are hundreds of codes with similar descriptions. They knew exactly which factors matter most for proper classification, which saved me hours of research and removed the uncertainty.

Wait how does this actually work? Do they just call the IRS for you? Seems like something I could do myself...

This sounds like BS honestly. The IRS doesn't pick up for anybody these days. How could some service magically get through when millions of people can't? And why would you pay for something like this?

They don't just call - they use a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When they reach a live agent, they call you and connect you directly. You only need to be available for the actual conversation with the IRS. You absolutely could do it yourself if you have hours to sit on hold. For me, the value was being able to continue working while their system handled the waiting. When my phone rang, I was connected directly to an IRS representative who was ready to help. It's not magic - it's automation technology. The same reason why millions can't get through is exactly why this service exists - the IRS is severely understaffed with long wait times. Their system essentially waits in the digital queue for you. I was skeptical too until I tried it and was speaking with an actual IRS agent within 20 minutes of signing up.

Thanks for suggesting that! I hadn't thought to look at the Census Bureau site. Did you end up using the same code on your Schedule C as the NAICS code you found? Did you have any issues with matching it to the IRS list?

Yes, I used the same code I found through the NAICS search for my Schedule C. The IRS business codes are actually based on the NAICS system, though sometimes they're slightly condensed. I did have to cross-reference what I found with the IRS list in the Schedule C instructions, but it was pretty straightforward. For my conservation work, I found code 711510 (Independent artists, writers & performers) through NAICS, and it matched perfectly with the Schedule C list. Just make sure you're looking at the most current list since they update them periodically.

But I thought 712110 was only if you're operating a museum? Can you use that if you're just working for one as a contractor? I've been using 541900 (Other professional services) for my museum consulting work and now I'm worried I've been doing it wrong.