How to Track Side Hustle Income and Mileage in 2027
By Cedar & Ledger
If you earn money on the side, a simple log kept from January 1 makes tax time much easier and shows whether the work is actually paying off.
Any dollar figures here are made-up examples. This is general information, not tax advice. Rules differ by situation, so check IRS.gov or a tax professional.
What to log for every sale
- Date
- Customer or platform (for example, a marketplace or a direct client)
- Amount received
- Fees taken out (platform, payment processing)
- Notes, like what was sold
What to log for every cost
Supplies, shipping, software, ads and equipment. Keep the receipt and write the date, store, amount and what it was for. How to Organize Business Receipts has a simple system.
Mileage
If you drive for the business, write down each trip: date, start and end place, purpose and miles. Logging the same day is much easier than rebuilding it later. How to Track Car Mileage for Taxes covers what a log usually includes.
Monthly totals
At the end of each month, add up income, fees and costs. Profit = income − fees − costs.
| Month (example) | Income | Fees | Costs | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | $640 | $45 | $120 | $475 |
| February | $510 | $36 | $80 | $394 |
Set money aside
Many people move a set share of each month's profit into a separate savings account for taxes. How Much to Set Aside for Side Hustle Taxes explains common starting points and quarterly due dates.
A log, if you want one
Any notebook works. If you'd like pages made for it, the 2027 Side Hustle Income & Mileage Log is a printable with 12 monthly income and expense logs, a mileage log and quarterly reminder pages. For a spreadsheet that adds it up for you, see the Side Hustle Income & Expense Tracker. We'd earn from a purchase.
Related template: 2027 Side Hustle Income & Mileage Log. Also see: Side Hustle Income & Expense Tracker · Mileage Log & Car Expense Tracker
See all Cedar & Ledger templates
Try the free side hustle hourly profit calculator →
Frequently asked questions
What does this guide cover?
What to log for each sale, cost and business trip, monthly profit totals and a tax set-aside habit for 2027. Example numbers only; not tax advice.
Do I need a template to do this?
No. A notebook or a sheet you build yourself works fine. Cedar & Ledger also sells spreadsheet templates (I'd earn from a purchase); see the template box at the top of this page.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's general information with example numbers only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Use your own numbers and check anything important with a qualified professional or the official source.