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Think your side hustle is just extra cash? Hidden tax pitfalls could lead to surprise bills, penalties, and IRS trouble if you’re not prepared.

Side gigs can be a great way to boost your income, but they also come with unexpected tax consequences. Many freelancers and gig workers don’t realize how quickly earnings add up—or how easily small mistakes can lead to big IRS headaches. From surprise tax bills to audit risks, here are seven shocking ways your side hustle could turn into a tax nightmare—and how to avoid them.