I got paid cash for babysitting, how do i file

[Tosha Kay]

I get paid in cash for babysitting for my Aunt

[ReginaM]

Babysitting income is usually self employment income.   The income and expenses must be reported on Schedule C of IRS Form 1040.   The IRS requires you to file if you had at least $400 in earnings from self-employment. 

To enter your babysitting income into TurboTax follow these instructions:

1. Select Search in the top right hand side of your screen,
2. Enter Schedule C Income,
3. Select Go to Schedule C,
4. Answer the questions in the section
5. Continue through all the screens and you will be asked about your expenses that you can claim against your income.

If you're caring for a relative, and you don't have a profit motive; rather you're doing it to help the relative, you wouldn't be subject to self-employment tax.  However, you would need to report the payments as taxable income on Form 1040, Line 21.  While in TurboTax follow these steps:

1. Select Search in the top right hand side of your screen,
2. Enter 1099 Misc,
3. Select Go to 1099 Misc,
4. Answer the questions in the section
5. Continue through all the screens,
6. You will be asked Did this involve an intent to earn money?
7. Answer, No, it didn't involve an intent to earn money.

[Hal_Al]

@Tosha Kay  - How old were you on 12-31-19? Did you baby sit in your aunt's home or yours? Are you your aunt's dependent?

[Sherrywallen]

I baby sat for income and did odd jobs

[Hal_Al]

@Sherrywallen -

 The IRS considers undocumented cash income (no W-2 or 1099-MISC), for work performed, to be self employment income. Enter at "Business Income & Expenses" and TurboTax (TT) will complete Schedule C or C-EZ for you and allow you to deduct any expenses associated with this income. You'll also have to pay self employment tax (social security & medicare tax) on any profits greater than $400. 

You report the income from your own records.