Side Hustles

Is My Side Hustle Income?

Understand how tutoring, freelancing, reselling and content may create reportable income.

7 minutesIntermediateReviewed July 23, 2026Lesson 13 of 15

A side hustle may include tutoring, lawn care, editing, design, selling products, commissions or content income. Calling it small does not remove possible tax obligations.

Business income

The CRA generally describes business income as income from an activity carried on for profit where evidence supports that intention.

Cash and non-cash benefits connected with commercial activity may have tax consequences.

Employment income differs from self-employment income.

Selling belongings

Selling one personal item is not automatically a resale business.

Repeatedly buying items to sell for profit may be a business activity.

The facts and purpose matter more than the platform used.

Track income

Keep records of cash, transfers, platform payments and other income.

Try this

  1. 1List everything of value you received: cash, e-Transfers, platform payments, tips, commissions and free products or services.
  2. 2Note the date and source of each.
Check your understanding

3 questions

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Question 1 of 3
You earn money tutoring neighbours for cash. How should you treat that money?
Question 2 of 3
How does self-employed income differ from employment income for a teenager?
Question 3 of 3
Which record is most useful to keep for a small side hustle?
Educational content only. TaxLoophole.ca provides general educational information and does not provide personalized tax, legal or financial advice. Rules may change and may differ based on your province, territory and circumstances. Verify important decisions with the Canada Revenue Agency, another appropriate government source or a qualified professional.

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