Made money on the side last year? Here's what to check before you file.

For W-2 earners with extra income from payment apps, online marketplaces, or rideshare and delivery work. One page, five things to check, plain English. So you file it right the first time.

5 things to check before you file

A quick read. One page, five items, plain English. Built around the questions I hear most often from people who made money on the side last year.

The form from the payment app

What the number on it actually means, and why it isn't your real income. Federal rules, state rules, and what gets reported.

Refunds, fees, and items sold at a loss

What comes off the top before you owe a dime of tax. The simple example most people miss.

The deductions most people miss

Platform fees, mileage, home office, supplies, software. What's deductible and how to claim it without overreaching.

Self-employment tax

The 15.3% surprise that hits side income on top of regular tax. How much to set aside so you're not caught short.

Personal items versus a business

The line between selling things you already owned and running a business. Why picking the wrong one costs real money.

Who put this together

I'm Chris Anderson. I run AE Financial Services, a virtual tax, accounting, and advisory practice based in Orlando, working with clients across the country.

I work with people like you. W-2 earners with extra income from payment apps, online marketplaces, rideshare, and delivery work. The questions in this guide are the ones I hear most often before someone hits file.

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One page. Five things to check. No catch.