I worked as a dog walker for a dog walking company and got paid by check not deducting taxes, will I file it as self employment?

[MichaelDC]

Yes. You will be considered Self-Employed and in the dog walking business yourself.

Most people get a Form 1099-MISC in the mail when they do contract or freelance work and make over $600.

If you didn't receive a 1099-MISC, you can report other income simply by following the instructions below:

1. Sign into your TurboTax account.

2. Click Pick up where I left off (if not already open)

3. Click Federal Taxes tab

4. Click Wages & Income subcategory.

5. Select I'll choose what I work on option.

6. Scroll all the way down to the Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C (under less common income) and click Start/Update.

7. Click Start/Update next to Other income not already reported on a Form W-2 or Form 1099 and follow the online screen prompts to enter your income. (See the attached screenshot below. Click to enlarge.)

Below are some common expenses most self-employed taxpayers will want to review. Followed by possible dog walker expenses:

Common Expenses

• Communication costs, for example, cell phones, data plans, internet or wireless services, land or fax lines, long-distance charges, voicemail or answering services, call waiting, etc.
• If also used for personal reasons (for example, internet service), then only the proportion used in business is allowed as an expense
• Office supplies (paper, toner, writing instruments, etc.), software, stamps, envelopes, shipping materials, cleaning supplies
• Any licenses or permits that are required for your profession
• Fees and membership dues you paid to professional associations or unions
• Continuing education or certification related to your work
• Mileage accumulated during the course of your work
• However, regularly commuting to and from a fixed office wouldn't qualify
• Advertising costs, including business cards and websites
• Fees for attorneys, consultants, accountants, and other professionals
• Liability insurance, errors and omissions insurance, surety bonds
• Credit card and bank fees
• Health care premiums

• As a self-employed dog walker, here are some possible additional expenses you can deduct, in addition to those listed above:

• vet tech certification or training
• Miscellaneous supplies such as leashes, food, toys, treats
• Liability insurance
• Advertising, including websites
• Cell phones, data plans, second phone line
• Vehicle expenses or standard mileage
• Licenses and permits, membership dues

Please feel free to post any additional details or questions in the comment section. 

[oxfordtennis]

I have the same question. My daughter worked for a dog walking company, and made under $600 and didn't receive a 1099-Misc. I followed the instructions you had above. Do I complete the Form SS-8 and submit it separately to the IRS, or will it be included when I file my daughters federal taxes?

Also, how do I report this information on my PA State taxes if my daughter earned this income in a different state? Do I need to still report it on my PA state?