I just started 1099 contract work...do I need a DBA?

[xmaldigolax]

I work a full time job for a telecom company, and on the side I started assisting a toy company with moderating their social media and helping out at conventions.  I paid for my convention tickets, I paid for recording equipment to help with product reviews, I plan on traveling in the next month to help with an out of state convention.  In order to claim the travel, equipment, and other expenses, can I do that just as myself, or would I need to set up a DBA in order to file and claim?

I apologize, I am really dumb with this stuff.

[DoninGA]

No, you do not need a DBA.

You report your income and expenses for the self-employment using your Social Security number on the IRS Schedule C.  The Schedule C is included with and part of your federal tax return, Form 1040.

Go to this IRS website for self-employment information - https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

And see this TurboTax article - https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/self-employment-taxes/self-employed-less-than-a-year-how-to-do-...