A 9-Step Tax Season Checklist for Side Hustlers


The upcoming tax season doesn’t have to be stressful — but for most side hustlers, it usually is.

Unlike a W-2 job, no one’s setting money aside for you. That means if you’re freelancing, driving deliveries, or running an Etsy shop, April can sneak up fast (and with it, a tax bill you didn’t see coming).

We put together a simple 9-step checklist to help you stay organized, avoid penalties, and take advantage of new 2025 tax deductions — including:

✅ A $25,000 “No Tax on Tips” deduction for service workers
✅ A new “No Tax on Overtime” break for W-2 earners
✅ Updated 1099-K thresholds and deduction limits for 2025

Whether you’re earning a little extra or building a full-time business, these steps can help you keep more of what you make.

👉 Read the full checklist here: 9 Things Every Side Hustler Should Do Before Tax Season


P.S. Already earning side hustle income? Hit reply and tell us: what’s the hardest part about tax season for you? (We're working on a comprehensive tax season guide for side hustlers and we're looking for areas that people commonly find challenging.)

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