Where do I claim mystery shopping reimbursement income?

[djzba1993]

I completed 16 mystery gas station shops in Jan/Feb 2015.  I fill up with $20 worth of gas, then submit a questionnaire to a mystery shopping company who reimburses me $18.50.   Do I need to set up this as a business income, perhaps under independent contractor with deductions as I am benefiting from getting some free gas? 

[TurboTaxJeffrey · Accepted solution]

As this ultimately results in a net loss, and there is no Reasonable Expectation of Profit, you do not need to report this as income.  You spend more than you take in...it's a discount, not a business.