I live in New York and was unfortunately let go from my company where I had a high paying job. I have been unable to get a job matching the salary requirements for the rental unit I live in. As I have now pretty much cleaned out my savings, my family members are being gracious enough to help me pay the rent until I can find something substantial . Will I have to report the monthly cash deposits they give me for my rent as income? I will be receiving the cost of my rent and utilities/internet every month from now until whenever I can find a job again. The payments would be coming via Paypal and occasionally cash when I see them in person. I just moved to New York state last year and am still not familiar with all the state laws, so I do not want to get into some crazy situation where I suddenly owe a large sum of money or get audited during tax return.
If the funds you are receiving are gifts from family, with no requirement to pay back like for a loan, then those funds received are not reported on tax return, federal or state.