In the last tax year, I've earned less than $1500 and spent more than twice that on training courses, web hosting etc, advertising etc, resulting in a loss. Most of the income is through ClickBank, Adsense, and a CPA network. Should I be declaring the loss to the ATO or I can I let it slide? Can it be classed as hobby income?
As for me, I've never made enough to worry about being chased by the ATO. Even if they did have proof of my earnings I would find a similar amount of costs and loses to balance it out. That said, I believe some companies are co-operating with the ATO to provide tax statements, as they do in the US/Canada by law. I can't remember where I was reading it, or what companies were affected though. I'd find a registered accountant and ask some questions
Don't worry it's probably too low to get chased by your tax authority. And if you are, the fine will be very low.
Anything earnt apart from your wage, to a maximum of $5000 is classed as a hobby and would still have to be declared.