Dog walking. Does it requires reporting?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
March 5, 2025
2 replies
31 views

I'm planning to do occasional dog walking. If I receive some cash for occasional dog walking, do I need to report it?

I found here, https://www.irs.gov/individuals/check-if-you-need-to-file-a-tax-return, that if I receive less than $400 I don't need to file it, but if I'm filing it because I have another job, should I include the dog walking earning even if the value is for example only $100?

I don't have a business open, do I need to have one to receive cash for occasional walks?

Thanks.

LindaS5247

Level 14

If you have self-employment income of $400 or more, you should file a Schedule C with your personal 1040 return to report it.

You need to report all of your income whether you received a Form 1099-MISC or not. So you should keep good records of your earnings and any related expenses.

When you file a Schedule C you can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses from your income.

If you are filing your tax return for another job and you only have $100 in income from dog walking, you can report it on your tax return.

You don't need to have an "official business" to receive cash for dog walking but it will be considered self-employment income and will be reported on Schedule C of your Form 1040.

Click here for "Self-Employment Taxes in Today's Gig Economy"

Click here for "The Self Employment Tax"

Click here for "Where do I enter Schedule C?

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pe1818Author

Level 2

Thanks @LindaS5247 does it work the same way if I receive it using Zelle, Paypal, etc?

RobertB4444

Level 15

Yes, as far as the IRS is concerned those count as cash.

@pe1818

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DawnC

Level 15

You have a business if you are doing work in exchange for payments. You should report all of your income. You can report cash payments on Schedule C. Where do I enter Schedule C?

If your only income was less than $400 of self-employment income, you would not have a filing requirement. But since you do have other income that requires a tax return, you are required to report ALL of your self-employment income on the same tax return.