Dog walkers deduct the leashes, waste bags, mileage between clients, and app fees that come with the job.
Self-employed dog walkers report income on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax on net profit, often booking clients directly or through walking apps.
Mileage between client homes, walking supplies, and platform fees make up most deductions, and app-based pay may arrive on a 1099-K while direct clients issue nothing.
Income you’ll report on: 1099-NEC, 1099-K.
Most people in this line of work leave money on the table. Here's what we make sure to capture:
If you earn as an independent contractor, yes — self-employment tax is 15.3% (Social Security and Medicare) on your net profit, on top of regular income tax. You deduct half of it, and every business deduction lowers what you owe. We handle the calculation on Schedule SE.
Common write-offs include leashes, harnesses, and waste bags, mileage between client homes (actual costs or standard mileage), treats and supplies carried on walks, app and platform service fees, plus a share of your phone and any home-office use. We go through your year line by line so nothing legitimate gets missed.
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year, the IRS generally wants quarterly estimated payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. We calculate them so next April isn't a surprise.
Yes. Your income is taxable whether or not a client or platform sent a 1099. We report it correctly and offset it with every deduction you qualify for.
Tell us what you've got and we'll come back within one business day with the plan and the price · from a preparer who knows your line of work.
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