What business code should I use for my museum work on Schedule C?

But wouldn't museums fall under a different category than theaters? I always thought they were considered educational institutions rather than entertainment. Would using the wrong code trigger an audit?

You're right that museums and theaters serve different purposes, but the IRS classification system groups them together under "Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation." The subcategories aren't perfectly tailored to every profession. The business code selection won't trigger an audit as long as it reasonably represents your work activity. The IRS uses these codes primarily for statistical purposes, not to determine tax liability or audit risk. If you're really concerned about precision, you could also consider 712110 - "Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions" which might be more specific to your situation.

Does it work with all tax forms or just 1099s? I've got a mix of income sources including some conservation grant work that doesn't fit neatly into categories.

I'm skeptical about these tax tools. How does it actually determine the right code? Couldn't you just Google a list of business codes and pick one? Seems like an unnecessary expense for something so simple.

It works with all major tax forms including grants and miscellaneous income sources. Their system cross-references your income sources with your business description to find the most accurate match. The tool doesn't just match keywords to codes - it analyzes the full context of your work activities and applies IRS guidelines specifically. You could Google codes, sure, but I wasted hours doing that and still wasn't confident in my choice. The peace of mind was worth it for me, especially since using an incorrect code could raise questions if you're ever audited.

How does this actually work? Do they just call the IRS for you? Couldn't I just put the phone on speaker and do something else while I wait?

This sounds like a scam. The IRS is notoriously difficult to reach - how could some random service get you to the front of the line? I've spent HOURS on hold with them. No way they have some magic solution.

They use a virtual queuing system that maintains your place in line with the IRS while you go about your day. When an agent picks up, you get a call back so you can immediately connect. No need to stay on the line or keep checking. I was skeptical too, but it's not about "cutting the line" - it's about not having to personally wait on hold. I tried the speaker phone approach before but got tired of the hold music after an hour, put my phone down, and missed when the agent finally answered. With Claimyr, I was able to go to lunch and got the call when an agent was actually on the line. The IRS confirmed 712110 was the right code for museum collection work.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Did your role involve any conservation work too, or was it purely administration/registration? My duties sometimes cross into light conservation documentation when we receive new pieces.

My role was primarily registration and exhibition management, but I did handle some basic condition documentation and preventive conservation coordination (though not the actual conservation work itself). For Schedule C purposes, you want to use the code that best represents your primary business activity. Since your main job is collection registration with some conservation documentation as a secondary element, 712110 still applies. The IRS doesn't expect people to use multiple business codes for different aspects of what's essentially the same job. As long as the majority of your work falls under museum collection management, you're good with 712110.

I just started museum contract work and haven't tracked mileage at all. Can I estimate for past trips or do I need exact records? Is there a good app for tracking this stuff?

Unfortunately, the IRS wants contemporaneous mileage records, which means tracking at or near the time of travel. Estimates can be problematic if you're audited. I'd start tracking properly going forward. For apps, I use MileIQ which automatically tracks my drives and lets me categorize them as business or personal with a simple swipe. There's also Everlance and Stride Tax which are popular with contractors. Most have free versions that work fine if you're not doing tons of drives. The key is finding one you'll actually use consistently!