W-2 by Day, Wedding Photographer by Weekend? Don’t Let Your Side Hustle Become a Tax Nightmare

You started your side hustle for the flexibility.
The extra income.
The “hey, I’m good at this—why not get paid?” kind of freedom.

And now it’s summer, and the bookings are rolling in.
Weddings. Brand shoots. Freelance design projects. Extra coaching sessions. Maybe even some Airbnb income while you’re on vacation.

But here’s what no one tells you on Instagram:
That money? It’s taxable.
And if you don’t plan for it, the IRS will be the one waiting at the end of your summer calendar.

If your main job already takes care of your taxes, you might assume your side hustle just “fits in.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

Here’s where side income catches up to you:

• You’re earning more than $400? You may owe self-employment tax (15.3%) on top of your normal income taxes.
  
  
• You didn’t receive a 1099? Doesn’t matter—you’re still required to report the income.
  
  
• You made money but didn’t save for it? The IRS doesn’t care that you reinvested it all in gear.
  
  
• You skipped estimated taxes? That’s a penalty waiting to happen come next April.

And because your W-2 income might already have you near a higher bracket...
this “little extra” income? It’s not getting taxed gently.

This is the sweet spot we work in all the time—clients who:

• Are great at what they do
  
  
• Don’t think of themselves as “business owners” (yet)
  
  
• Want to grow their side income without giving half of it to the IRS
  
  
• Have no idea that the IRS sees them as a sole proprietor

Whether you're bringing in a few hundred bucks a month or a few thousand a weekend, you have options:

No more Venmo screenshots and mental math. Use a real expense tracker or app (even a spreadsheet works).
Mileage, supplies, website hosting, subscriptions—they’re all deductible.

Once your side income hits $5,000+, you should at least review whether quarterly estimated payments are smart.
Bonus: It keeps you from accidentally underpaying and owing penalties.

Once your side hustle has legs, you may want to consider forming an LLC, opening a business bank account, or even electing S Corp status.
Not because it sounds fancy—but because it could save you thousands in taxes if structured right.

You don’t have to do this alone.
We work with plenty of clients who have W-2 jobs and growing side gigs—and we help them stay compliant, minimize surprises, and feel confident that they’re running things the smart way.

Contact our office if you want to walk through your situation, talk through deductions, or simply make sure you’re not setting yourself up for a painful April.

Because your side hustle should support your goals—not your tax bill.