So, you’ve found a side hustle to bring in extra income — maybe it involves dog walking, livestreaming your video game wins, or even selling feet pics online. Whatever your gig, if money’s hitting your account, remember that the IRS wants a cut.
Whether you’re raking in referral bonuses, walking dogs on Rover®, or cashing out from Twitch®, one thing’s for sure: You’ve got taxable income. And if you’re not careful, your fun side hustle could lead to some not-so-fun surprises come tax season.
In this odd jobs tax guide, we’ll explore some unconventional ways people are earning income today and, more importantly, how to report it properly, avoid penalties, and maybe even snag a few extra tax deductions along the way.
How to pay taxes when you’re self-employed
No matter your side hustle, if you’re working for yourself, you first need to understand how to pay taxes on your self-employment income.
Since you don’t have an employer withholding taxes from your side business, you’ll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid a big tax bill (and possible penalties) at year’s end. These quarterly estimated payments will cover:
Income tax: Your normal tax rate determined by your tax bracket.
Self-employment tax: The tax rate is 15.3% and covers your Social Security and Medicare taxes. It applies to anyone who earns at least $400 in self-employment income during the year.
When are estimated taxes due?
April 15 (for income earned January through March)
June 15 (for income earned April through May)
Sept. 15 (for income earned June through August)
Jan. 15 (for income earned September through December)
Note: If any of the above dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the due date is the next business day.
TaxAct® has some helpful tax calculators to estimate how much you should pay each quarter:
How do I make estimated tax payments?
Making estimated tax payments is easier than you might think. Here are the different ways you can pay quarterly taxes:
Tax software – When you e-file with TaxAct, our tax preparation software allows you to calculate and submit estimated taxes automatically each quarter via Electronic Fund Withdrawal.
IRS Direct Pay – You can also pay directly from your bank account through the IRS website without fees.
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – A free service the IRS provides that allows you to schedule payments in advance. If you go this route, you will need to sign up ahead of time with the IRS.
Debit or credit card – You can make payments online with a credit or debit card, but processing fees may apply.
Mailing a check or money order – If you prefer old-school methods, you can send a check with an estimated tax payment voucher (Form 1040-ES). TaxAct can help you print off these vouchers.
Do I have to make estimated tax payments?
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year, the IRS requires you to make these estimated payments every quarter to avoid underpayment penalties. However, if you also work for an employer, you can request to have additional tax withheld from your regular paychecks to cover taxes for your side gig using Form W-4.
Odd jobs with taxable income
Now that we understand how to pay taxes for your side gig let’s dig into the specifics of certain side hustles and the unique tax breaks that come along with them.
1. Feet picture taxes
Selling feet pics: tax obligations
Decided to start selling feet pics online? Whether you’re selling on a platform like FeetFinder® or through social media, making money from your feet pictures is considered taxable regular income. That means the IRS expects you to report it when you file taxes. Since you’re not an employee, you won’t get a Form W-2 like a traditional worker, but you may receive a 1099 form from the platform you use to sell.
Will I receive a 1099 form?
That depends. If you earned $600 or more through a single payment method in 2025, like PayPal®, Venmo®, Cash App®, or a selling platform like FeetFinder, you should receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-K reporting all your business transactions. But even if you don’t receive one of these tax forms, you still technically need to report all income. The IRS doesn’t care whether a form was issued — they expect you to report every dime.
Where do I report my income?
You’ll report your feet pic earnings on Schedule C, which is used for self-employed individuals and small businesses. If you’re making money from your feet pictures, the IRS considers it a feet pic business rather than just a fun hobby. This means more tax implications but also more potential tax deductions!
TaxAct® Self-Employed is an easy way to DIY your taxes if you sell feet pics. Our tax preparation software will walk you through reporting all your business income and expenses without hassle.
If you make at least $400 selling your feet photos online, you must pay self-employment tax on your income.
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, covering:
12.4% for Social Security
2.9% for Medicare
You can deduct half of your self-employment tax on your tax return.
Example: Calculating self-employment tax
Let’s say you made $10,000 selling feet photos in a year. Here’s how the self-employment tax works:
Self-employment tax: 15.3% of $10,000 = $1,530
Tax deduction: You can deduct $765 (50%) from your taxable income.
So, while you owe $1,530 in self-employment tax, you’ll get a tax deduction for half of it.
Reporting income from selling feet pictures
If you made money selling feet photos, you’ll need to report it on:
Using TaxAct Self-Employed, you can easily file taxes and ensure you don’t miss any important deductions. Our tax software will walk you through the process step-by-step, give you guidance on current tax laws, and fill out the necessary tax forms for you.
Tax deductions for selling feet photos
Good news! Many of the costs associated with your feet pic business may be tax-deductible.
Photography gear for high-quality images (cameras, ring lights, tripods)
Editing software (Photoshop, Lightroom)
Marketing expenses (social media ads to attract potential buyers, website fees)
Platform fees (if FeetFinder, Etsy®, or other sites take a cut of your earnings)
Home office (if you work from home and have a dedicated space)
Internet and phone bills (only the portion related to business use)
Stock photo subscriptions (for creative inspiration)
Grooming expenses (if done solely for business purposes)
Feet picture taxes FAQs
In short, yes — sometimes. If you can prove your pedicure or foot care expenses are exclusively for business, they may qualify as a tax deduction. For example:
A client requests custom content or a specific nail polish color you’d never wear otherwise.
You only get pedicures for photoshoots and not for personal use.
Essentially, if you wouldn’t be getting the pedicure if it weren’t for your business, it can be considered a legitimate business expense. It all depends on your risk tolerance and what documentation you can give the IRS if they decide to challenge the deduction.
That’s the key to this deduction — documentation. Keep all tax records, receipts, and even screenshots of specific client requests as proof for the IRS in the event of an audit. There is no standard for documenting your business expenses as a taxpayer, but the general recommendation is to document as much as possible and keep those records for at least three years.
How do I avoid scams and getting scammed when selling feet pics?
Use secure payment methods (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App).
Avoid buyers who refuse upfront payment.
Watermark your quality photos before sending samples.
Watch out for scammers who promise “chargebacks.”
Don’t use your real name if you aren’t comfortable.
2. Twitch streamer taxes
Got a Twitch® channel bringing in some ad revenue or virtual currency like Twitch Bits? Whether you’re live-streaming video games and esports daily or just dabbling on weekends, money made through Twitch is considered taxable income — even if you’re just starting out.
Do I get Twitch tax forms?
You might. Twitch may send you a 1099 form, usually Form 1099-NEC or possibly Form 1099-MISC depending on how and how much you get paid.
If you use a third-party platform like PayPal for Twitch payouts, you may get Form 1099-K from the third party in addition to other Twitch tax documents. But you only need to report the income once!
You’re likely to get a Twitch tax form if:
You earn at least $10 in royalties through Twitch subscriptions and ads.
You earn at least $600 in other revenue like Bits and Cheers.
You meet the payment threshold for Twitch’s payment processors (like PayPal or a third-party sponsor).
Just remember, if you don’t get a Twitch tax document, you’re not off the hook — you still need to report every dollar you made on your tax return.
Where do I report my Twitch income?
Your Twitch earnings go on Schedule C — the form for reporting profit or loss from self-employment. The IRS sees your streaming hustle as a small business, not just a hobby. That means you have more responsibilities, but also more opportunities to deduct expenses.
TaxAct Self-Employed can help you report your Twitch income and walk you through claiming any relevant deductions so you don’t overpay.
Self-employment taxes for Twitch streamers
If you earned $400 or more from your Twitch channel, you’ll owe self-employment tax on top of income tax to cover Medicare and Social Security taxes. Thankfully, you can deduct half of this on your income tax return.
Example: Calculating self-employment tax
Say you made $5,000 in a year through Twitch:
Self-employment tax: 15.3% of $5,000 = $765
Tax deduction: You can deduct $382.50 (50%) from your taxable income
This deduction helps reduce your overall tax bill even though you still owe the tax itself.
Reporting income from Twitch streaming
If you earn income as a Twitch streamer, you’ll need to file:
TaxAct Self-Employed makes reporting all your Twitch revenue easy, including ad payments, Bits, and third-party sponsorships. You can even add income from other platforms if you’re streaming in multiple places.
Tax deductions for Twitch streamers
Streaming isn’t cheap, but thankfully, many of those costs can be tax-deductible — as long as they’re used primarily for business purposes.
Common tax deductions for Twitch creators:
Gaming and streaming equipment (PCs, consoles, microphones, webcams)
Capture cards and monitors
Lighting (ring lights, LED strips)
Software subscriptions (OBS plugins, editing tools, music licenses)
Internet costs (business-use portion)
Home office expenses (if you use a dedicated streaming space)
Twitch fees or processing charges
Graphic design (emotes, overlays, thumbnails)
Marketing (ads, giveaways to promote your stream)
Twitch taxes FAQs
Can I write off my gaming PC if I use it for streaming?
If you bought your PC primarily for your streaming business and use it regularly for that purpose, it’s generally deductible. Just be careful if you also use it for personal gaming — only the business-use percentage is deductible. For example, if you use the PC 80% of the time for your business and 20% for personal use, you should only deduct 80% of the cost.
What records should I keep as a Twitch streamer?
Good recordkeeping makes things less stressful, especially during tax time! Here are some examples of records you should keep when making money from Twitch:
Payment records from Twitch and any sponsors
Receipts for gear and subscriptions (and anything you want to deduct)
Screenshots of brand deals or contracts
A log of business use for shared items (like your internet or computer)
3. Dog walking taxes
Walking pups through Rover® or offering dog-sitting services on your own? Whether you’re occasionally helping out a neighbor or making it your full-time hustle, your dog-walking income is taxable and counts as self-employment income. The IRS wants to know about it, even if you’re paid in cash, Venmo®, you get the idea.
Does Rover take out taxes?
No, Rover doesn’t withhold taxes from your payments like an employer would. That means it’s up to you to set aside a portion of your earnings to cover income tax and self-employment tax. Setting aside 25-30% of your self-employment income is generally recommended to cover your tax liability.
Will I receive Rover tax forms?
It depends on how much you earn. In 2025, Rover may send you Form 1099-K if you make over $2,500 (the threshold was $5,000 in 2024). But even if you don’t receive a Rover tax form, you’re still technically required to report your income.
Where do I report my dog walking income?
You’ll report your dog walking income on Schedule C, which is used for sole proprietors and self-employed individuals. Even if you’re just walking a few dogs a week, the IRS treats it as a small business — and that opens the door to some tax deductions.
TaxAct Self-Employed can help you report all your income (whether from Rover or direct clients) and guide you through available tax deductions.
Self-employment taxes for dog walkers
If you made at least $400 walking dogs, you’re considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax to cover Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, you can deduct half of this self-employment tax on your return.
Example: Calculating self-employment tax
Say you made $8,000 walking dogs in a year. Here’s how the self-employment tax shakes out:
Self-employment tax: 15.3% of $8,000 = $1,224
Tax deduction: You can deduct $612 (half of the self-employment tax)
So, while you owe $1,224, you’ll get to lower your taxable income by $612.
Reporting income from dog walking
As a dog walker, you’ll report your earnings using:
TaxAct Self-Employed makes it easy to track your Rover income and any off-the-books dog gigs. We’ll ask simple questions, do the math, and help you file taxes accurately and confidently.
Tax deductions for dog walking
Good news: You can write off many of the costs related to your dog-walking gig — as long as they’re used strictly for business.
Common tax deductions for dog walkers:
Leashes, collars, poop bags, and treats
Pet first aid kits
Gas and mileage if you drive to clients
Pet-sitting or walking gear (like crates, portable water bowls, or harnesses)
Fees for apps or booking tools (like Rover)
Marketing (flyers, website hosting, local ads)
Phone and internet (business-use portion only)
Home office expenses (if you run your dog-walking business from home and use your office exclusively for this purpose)
FAQs about dog walking and Rover taxes
Does Rover send a 1099 form to dog walkers?
They might, depending on how much you earn. If you meet the income and transaction thresholds, you’ll get a 1099-K form. If not, you’re still required to report that income. Rover may also provide a summary of your yearly earnings in your account dashboard, even if they don’t send a formal tax form.
Do I need to pay taxes if I only walk dogs occasionally?
Yes. Plus, remember that if you earn $400 or more, you’re considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax. The IRS doesn’t care whether you consider it a “real” job — if you’re making money, the government always wants a cut.
How do I keep track of my dog-walking expenses?
Create a system that works for you. This could be a spreadsheet, a business bank account, or using bookkeeping software. The important thing is to keep clear records and save receipts in case the IRS ever comes sniffing around.
4. TaskRabbit and Fiverr taxes
Have you started doing side gigs on TaskRabbit® or Fiverr®? Whether you’re building furniture, designing logos, or doing some virtual assistance on the side, your earnings are considered self-employment income — and yes, they’re taxable. That means you’re responsible for reporting your income, even if you don’t receive a Fiverr or TaskRabbit tax form.
Do these platforms take out taxes?
Unfortunately, TaskRabbit and Fiverr do not withhold taxes for you. It’s up to you to handle that side of things — including setting aside money for income tax and self-employment tax.
Will I receive a Fiverr or TaskRabbit tax form?
Maybe! TaskRabbit and Fiverr may issue a Form 1099-NEC if you earn $600 or more in a calendar year. But even if you don’t get a Fiverr or TaskRabbit tax form, you must still report all income you earned from gigs. This goes for any additional platforms you use, too.
Where do I report my income?
You’ll report your TaskRabbit and Fiverr income on Schedule C — the form used for reporting profits (or losses) from self-employment. You’re technically running a small business, so the IRS wants the full picture.
Don’t panic, though — TaxAct Self-Employed makes it easy to plug in your earnings from each platform and walks you through the steps to report everything accurately, with tax deduction tips along the way.
Self-employment taxes for TaskRabbit and Fiverr gigs
You’re on the hook for self-employment tax if you earned at least $400 across all your side gigs. The good news? You can deduct half of this self-employment tax on your return.
Example: Calculating self-employment tax
Let’s say you made $12,000 total from TaskRabbit and Fiverr gigs:
Self-employment tax: 15.3% of $12,000 = $1,836
Tax deduction: You can deduct $918 (half) from your taxable income
So, yes — you’ll pay some extra taxes, but you also get a deduction to help soften the blow.
Reporting income from TaskRabbit and Fiverr
You’ll report your earnings using:
Using TaxAct Self-Employed, you can easily combine income from multiple platforms — whether you’re assembling furniture in the morning or freelancing online at night. We’ll help you get your tax forms done without stress.
Tax deductions for TaskRabbit and Fiverr gigs
Here’s the good part: Your business expenses are tax-deductible as long as they’re related to your gigs.
Common deductions for freelancers and taskers:
Tools and supplies (power drills, paintbrushes, ring lights, etc.)
Travel expenses (mileage if you drive to clients)
Software subscriptions (like Adobe®, Canva®, or productivity tools)
Internet and phone bills (the portion used for business)
Marketing costs (social ads, business cards, website hosting)
Platform fees (commissions taken by TaskRabbit or Fiverr)
Home office expenses (if you work from home and meet IRS guidelines)
Education or training (courses directly related to your gig skills)
FAQs about TaskRabbit and Fiverr taxes
Can I deduct tools or supplies I bought just for my TaskRabbit gig?
If they’re ordinary and necessary for your gig work, yes! For example:
A folding ladder for home repair jobs
A cleaning kit for housekeeping gigs
A design tablet used only for Fiverr illustrations
If it’s a legit business expense and you keep records and receipts for each expense, you should be good to go.
What if I do both TaskRabbit and Fiverr?
That’s totally fine. If you do similar odd jobs on both TaskRabbit and Fiverr, you may be able to report them all on one Schedule C form. But if your side gigs are unrelated, you may need to fill out multiple Schedule Cs. Either way, our tax software can help you through it without hassle.
Read more about this topic in Schedule C: Reporting Self-Employment Income from Multiple Sources.
5. Local gigs (babysitting taxes, tutoring, yard work, and more)
Babysitting on weekends? Tutoring students after school? Mowing lawns for your neighbors in the summer? Even if you’re getting paid in cash “under the table,” the IRS still expects you to report that money.
Babysitting and taxes can feel confusing, especially if it’s not a full-time thing — but income is income, and if you’re earning money regularly, the IRS treats it like self-employment.
How do I claim babysitting income on taxes?
You’ll report your earnings on Schedule C — the form for small business and self-employment income. It doesn’t matter whether you’re babysitting occasionally or tutoring full-time. If you work independently and not as someone’s employee, you’re technically running your own small business.
Will I receive a 1099 form?
Probably not in many cases. Most parents and local clients don’t send 1099 forms, so it’s up to you to track and report your income. If you’re getting paid through a service or agency you might receive Form 1099-K if your earnings exceed the threshold — but don’t rely on it! Always keep your own detailed records, just in case.
TaxAct Self-Employed can help you organize and report your local gig income, even if it’s all cash. You’ll also get guidance on what you can legally deduct to lower your tax bill.
Self-employment taxes for babysitters and local gig workers
If you made $400 or more from local gigs during the year, you’re officially considered self-employed and must pay self-employment tax (but you can deduct half of it).
Example: Calculating self-employment tax
Let’s say you made $7,500 in a year babysitting and tutoring:
Self-employment tax: 15.3% of $7,500 = $1,147.50
Tax deduction: You can deduct $573.75 (50%) from your taxable income
Reporting income from babysitting and local gigs
You’ll need to file:
TaxAct Self-Employed makes it simple to enter your income, even if it’s from multiple local gigs. We’ll guide you through everything step-by-step and make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Tax deductions for babysitters, tutors, and other local gig workers
Good news! You may be able to deduct your business-related expenses — even for cash gigs — as long as you keep good records.
Common tax deductions for babysitters and local gigs:
Educational materials or lesson plans (for tutors)
Cleaning supplies (for house cleaners)
Toys, games, or crafts used during babysitting
Gas and mileage for traveling to clients’ homes
Marketing expenses (flyers, social media ads, website fees)
Phone and internet (portion used for client communication or scheduling)
Home office expenses (if you prep lessons, manage scheduling, or do client outreach from a dedicated home workspace)
FAQs about local gigs and babysitting taxes
Do I have to pay taxes if I only babysit occasionally?
Yes — the IRS considers you self-employed if you make $400 or more. That means you owe self-employment tax, even if it’s just a weekend gig or summer job.
What if I do multiple local gigs, like tutoring and yard work?
That’s fine! You can report similar business activities on the same Schedule C, combining your income and expenses. If your odd jobs are unrelated, you may need to file multiple Schedule Cs. Either way, TaxAct can help you figure it out. Just keep track of which expenses go with which type of work — especially if they vary widely.
What if I’m a household employee?
The IRS treats household employees — like full-time nannies — differently than the occasional babysitter. For more info on this topic, check out How to Tell If You’re a Household Employee.
The bottom line
Whether you’re streaming on Twitch, walking dogs on Rover, freelancing through Fiverr, babysitting around the neighborhood, or selling feet pics online, one thing’s clear — if you’re making money, the IRS wants to know about it. Most side gigs count as self-employment, which means you’re responsible for reporting income, paying self-employment tax, and keeping track of your own expenses.
It might sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With tools like TaxAct Self-Employed, you can file confidently, claim every deduction you’re entitled to, calculate your estimated taxes, and stay on the IRS’s good side — no matter how unconventional your side hustle may be.
This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.
All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
