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How To Report Side Job Earnings on a Tax Return

Even if you didn’t receive a 1099-MISC or W-2, you still need to report side job earnings on a tax return…

If you earned money from a side job and didn’t receive a form 1099-MISC or W-2 form, then you may think you’re off the hook from reporting it on your tax return. Think again.

The IRS requires taxpayers to report all income from any source. Even if it’s from a side job.

In fact, you’ll need to report it as self-employment income on a business tax return (Sch. C).

Reporting Money Earned From Side Jobs

You might be confused and asking “I don’t have a business-Why would I file a business tax return?” According to the IRS, “All income earned through the taxpayer’s business, as an independent contractor or from informal side jobs is self-employment income, which is fully taxable and must be reported on Form 1040.” 

In other words, even if you don’t consider yourself a business owner or self-employed, if you’re 18 years or older, you’ll still need to report income earned from side work as self employment income on a Business Tax Return (even if it’s less than $600).

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