Generally speaking, the answer to your direct question is "Yes." You are getting paid as an "expert" or "consultant" or something, and that's considered "earned income."
As a practical matter you may very well have to file an income tax return if you make more that $400 in a calendar year, though you probably will not have to pay any income tax, only Self Employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare). The requirements to prepare an income tax return for purposes of the income tax vary depending on your personal details, but range from $4,000, (under 65, married filing separately),up to $23,200 (over 65, married filing jointly).
Tom Young
