Hi There! There are definitely things you need to keep track of for taxes. Rover would go on a schedule C. You would put your 1099 income there. So the goal would be to write off most of the income if you can. This would of course reduce your tax liability. You don't want to write off all of it because for the IRS to recognize it as a business, it has to show a profit at least 1 time in a span of 3 years, or else its considered a hobby. So anything that you buy for your rover business should be eligible. You just want to make sure you keep your personal stuff separate from the stuff for your business, especially if you have a dog(s) of your own.

For example, if I buy treats to give to the dogs I watch, including mine, then I would write that off. However, if I buy special treats or a supplement for my dog, I wouldn't write that off. So I would say as long as its available for use by your business (dogs you watch).

You can write off quite a few things.. such as, bowls, foods, treats, leashes, pet gates, crates, business cards, mileage, etc. You can also input your health insurance premiums. Just make sure, once again, these items are for your business purposes and not personal. I would definitely recommend keeping receipts and such for purchases.

If you only have 1099 income, I would also recommend setting up some quarterly estimated tax payments.

But remember, you want to show some profit!

Hope that helps!

Hi There! I am an accountant, and yes you can deduct your healthcare premiums on your taxes! There should be a specific place to put self employed health insurance premiums on schedule C of your taxes.

Hi Emily! If you are solely a 1099 employee with no W-2 income, it would be smart to make quarterly tax payments. Its mainly necessary if your tax liability is over $1000. However, you lessen your liability at the end of the year.

To make these payments, you don't receive anything. I obviously don't know who/or how you do your taxes, but you should be given the option to do estimated tax payments. I am an accountant, and we recommend them to people. I've done my personal taxes through turbo tax and they always give you the option at the end. They will come up with estimates based on your prior year tax liability. You will be given the opportunity to print vouchers, if using a service like this, and you just send a check with the voucher when they are due. The due dates are 4/15, 6/15, 9/15, 1/15 of the next year.

So it may not be required, but it's definitely a good idea if your only source of income is 1099 income. If you have W-2's that have withholding, it's most likely not necessary.

Hope this helps!

Hi There! You don't necessarily need to fill out a W-9 unless you meet the requirements that Walt mentioned. You would technically be a sole proprietor, which would go on schedule C of your taxes.

No, you don't need a business license just for pet sitting. Unless you grow it into a larger "business" or its required in your area for some reason.

Hope that helped!

Hi I am an accountant! I don't see a problem claiming fencing, as long as you can prove that its a necessary expense for your business. I understand, as a sitter, that it can be necessary. However if you were to get audited, the IRS can be funny about stuff like that. So just be prepared and able to prove it's necessity. When I move, I'm planning on getting temporary fencing (dog play pens) for the same reason. Just keep receipts, estimates and such for tax purposes!

Hope that helps!