Small Business Owner Summoned for Jury Duty? Here's What to Do
Running a business means jury duty isn't just an inconvenience — it can mean client commitments missed, revenue interrupted, and a team left without leadership. As a small business owner, you have more tools available to you than most people realize.
Your First Move: Request a Postponement
Most courts allow at least one postponement with no reason required. Do this immediately. Reschedule to your business's slowest period — whether that's January, early summer, or whenever your workload is lightest.
This alone can make jury duty much more manageable.
Documenting a Hardship Request
If postponement isn't enough, you can request a hardship exemption. For business owners, the key elements of a strong hardship claim are:
- You are the sole operator. No partners, managers, or employees who can run things in your absence.
- Specific contracted obligations. Show upcoming contracts, client deadlines, or scheduled work that cannot be completed without you present.
- Financial impact calculation. Your average daily revenue × expected trial length = documented financial harm.
- Client dependency. Evidence that clients specifically rely on you, not just your business in general.
What If You Have Employees?
Courts are generally less sympathetic to hardship requests from business owners who have staff who can manage operations. If your business has a manager or capable team, the argument that you can't be away is harder to make.
In this case, focus on postponement to a better time rather than exemption.
Managing Clients During Jury Service
- Notify clients as soon as you know your service dates
- Set up an auto-responder explaining you're on jury duty with limited availability
- Identify which commitments are truly urgent and try to front-load that work
- For critical ongoing work, see if a trusted contractor or colleague can cover
Tax Considerations for Business Owners
Your lost business income during jury duty is not tax deductible. The jury pay you receive is taxable income — but it goes on Schedule 1 as Other Income, not as business income, and doesn't affect self-employment tax.
If you hired a substitute or contractor to handle your work during jury duty, that expense may be deductible as a legitimate business expense — consult your accountant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can small business owners be excused from jury duty?
Business owners can request postponement (usually granted without reason) or a hardship exemption if jury service would cause severe financial harm. Hardship requests are stronger if you are the sole operator with no one able to manage the business in your absence.
How do I prove hardship as a business owner for jury duty?
Document your average daily revenue, list specific client commitments or contracts due during the jury period, confirm you have no employees or partners who can cover, and calculate the total financial impact. Courts take detailed, specific documentation more seriously than general claims.
Can I work on my business during jury duty?
You can work outside of court hours — evenings, weekends, or when dismissed early. During court sessions and deliberations, you must focus on your jury duties. Many business owners manage brief service periods by front-loading work before their service date.