Get your taxes done using TurboTax

It depends, if she is not generating a 1099-NEC for you, you must still report. See below for a list of common expenses for self-employed.

Childcare or eldercare provider

As a self-employed caretaker, babysitter, or nanny, here are some additional expenses you can deduct, in addition to those listed above:

• CPR certification, first aid training
• Miscellaneous supplies such as diapers, food, toys, books
• Liability insurance
• Advertising, including websites
• Business portion of mobile phones, data plans, or a second phone line
• Vehicle expenses or standard mileage
• Work-related education or training
• Licenses and permits, membership dues
• Fees for legal or professional services (Childcare only)

You can't write off these expenses if you're not self-employed, for example if you're a household employee who was hired through an agency.

These out-of-pocket expenses will offset (reduce) your earnings, lowering the amount of income you pay taxes on.

In the search menu type "schedule c" with the space, click the blue jump to link and enter your information and go through interview. 

It will ask for your address and business info, I know you may not think you have a business per se, but the IRS labels it as one because you are making money that can have some expenses written off at the very least for business use. 

So you may want to save mileage if picking up kid at school or paying money out of yours for supplies, etc., unless a household employee, as labeled above.
 

If it's directly related to the work you do, you can deduct it as an expense. See below for a list of common expenses most self-employed taxpayers will want to review.

Work-related expenses reduce your taxes by lowering the amount of self-employment income you get taxed on. For example, if you made $50,000 in self-employment income and had $5,000 out-of-pocket expenses, you'd only get taxed on $45,000.

For state-specific questions regarding your work, contact your state’s Department of Revenue.

We also have instructions for entering your self-employment expenses in TurboTax.

Common expenses for most self-employed taxpayers