irs definition of active participation
DEFINITION of 'Material Participation Test'. A set of criteria that determines whether a taxpayer is a material participant in a business venture.The material participation test will determine whether business income received by the taxpayer is active or passive.According to the IRS, if the taxpayer participates in a business activity on a regular, continuous and substantial basis, then the taxpayer materially participates in the business.Next Up.EFINITION of 'Material Participation Test'. A set of criteria that determines whether a taxpayer is a material participant in a business venture.