07/21/2026
One of the most common assumptions people make about side gig income is that if it is not much, it probably does not need to be reported. That assumption can lead to some unpleasant surprises come tax season.
Here is what to keep in mind: You might not have to file a federal return if your total earnings are below the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, married filing separately; $24,150 heads of households; $32,200 married filing jointly, surviving spouses) and nothing else requires you to file.
However, gig work can push you into must-file territory. You may be under the standard deduction, but if your side job makes $400 or more after expenses, you usually have to file because you may owe self-employment tax.
Even if your summer earnings feel small, gig work has its own set of filing rules that are worth understanding before the end of the year. A little awareness now can save you from a bigger headache later. If you have questions about your filing situation or want to talk through what your side gig income means for your taxes, give us a call. We are here to help.
