Engraving question

[No Name Precision]

I was thinking about doing a small engraving gig out of my garage. I am doing this as a side job to what I do for a living. I am toyon around with the idea of engraving completed lowers only if the person stays on site. Do I need to have a ffl to do engraving from home as a side job?

Thanks

[halifax]

I you're going to keep it overnight, I believe you do.

[hermosabeach]

It is my understanding that licensed businesses can work on a firearm if the person stays as long as the firearm is at the shop....


So for hard chrome, refinishing, etc, the customer must stay.... look up the code on loaning firearms and AWs.... It is simpler for them to stay....

[No Name Precision]

What if I am not a licensed business? I plan on doing this on my spare time. This is more of a hobby then a business. I'm doing this to pay off the machine and hoping that it could lead into contacts for the future more than anything else. Is this still legal?

[audiophil2]

If it was a hobby you would not be charging money. IRS is very clear on hobby vs business and you are conducting business.

[No Name Precision]

Since this is conducting business would it be legal?

[M1NM]

If it was a hobby you would not be charging money. IRS is very clear on hobby vs business and you are conducting business.

Do it as a business. Write the equipment/license/etc off vs income. You can lose money for 5 years before they'll really take a look at it and declare it a hobby rather than business. You can't help it if you're a bad business man. Don't rent yourself space using your house. That comes back to bite you at resale time as it affects your available capital gains deduction.

[audiophil2]

Do it as a business. Write the equipment/license/etc off vs income. You can lose money for 5 years before they'll really take a look at it and declare it a hobby rather than business. You can't help it if you're a bad business man. Don't rent yourself space using your house. That comes back to bite you at resale time as it affects your available capital gains deduction.

That is all good for the IRS but he can bleed money all he wants and the ATF will consider it conducting business that requires an FFL if he takes 1 penny to do the work.

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/license-needed-engage-business-engraving-customizing-refinishing-or-repairing-firearms

Is a license needed to engage in the business of engraving, customizing, refinishing or repairing firearms?

Yes. A person conducting such activities as a business is considered to be a gunsmith within the definition of a dealer.

[18 U.S.C. 921(a)(11) and (21); 27 CFR 478.11]

[No Name Precision]

Next question is it possible to get a ffl to do a engraving business from a garage?

[audiophil2]

Next question is it possible to get a ffl to do a engraving business from a garage?

That is up to your local laws. ATF does not care much.