itonewbie
Level 15

§199A does not change the existing code sections and regulations that govern the taxation or characterization of income.  One should, therefore, look back to the existing rules to determine the character of the income in conjunction with whether it arises from a qualified trade or business.

Question is whether your client was indeed in the trade or business of producing games.  It was long-held that royalty income generated from sporadic activities engaged in by a taxpayer is not income arising from a trade or business and, hence, should not be subject to SE-tax.  Another question is whether your client owns and controls the intellectual rights to the game(s); if not, it may well be that the royalty income is compensation for services.  If your client was, indeed, in the trade or business of producing games, there may be sufficient nexus between the royalty income, albeit received in a later year) and the trade and business (which is no longer being operated as such) to be considered income arising from a qualified trade or business.

You will need to review the facts and circumstances as well as terms and conditions of the agreement/contract that gave rise to the royalty income to determine whether the income is eligible for QBI deduction.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still an AllStar

View solution in original post