Hi folks, I do home based part-time consulting in addition to my full time job. While doing my taxes I realized that I can deduct the mileage spent going to Bank, Post Office, Client’s Office and Hardware Store. I didn’t not log my miles every time I got in and out of the car but my bank deposit proves my travel to the bank, my credit card purchases prove my travel to hardware store and my PO BOX proves that I had to go to post office to pickup the mail.
Is that enough proof to deduct my 700 miles for business errands for past year ?
My total number of miles for the year is about 9500 miles which out of that 3500 is for commuting to my full time job office.
I keep reading that IRS scrutinizes mileage deductions and it’s a well known red flag. Is it even worth taking the 0 deduction here, especially that I didn’t keep a detailed daily log and my only proofs are what I listed above?
I understand that each trip needs to be logged and proved. Can this log be created at the end of the year using the transaction information from Credit Card, Bank Account and online map to see the miles traveled ? Or does it HAVE to be logged on the same day of the trip.

From September 2008 to the end of the year, I made exactly 21 in babysitting income. I have no idea at this time if the mother of the child I watch is going to claim him, but after much research I think I must file as an independent contractor. I do the work in my home. The only thing she tells me to do is when to work and what to give him for food.

Question #1. Do I claim the money I earned in December even though I was not paid in December for that money?

Question #2. What are legal deductions I can take and is it worth it? I take him to storytime and Kidz Klub- so could I count that as a driving expense? Also, I must pay for all his food, and the first couple months his diapers/wipes. Are these deductible?

In regards to the ebay business, I sell items I find at the thrift store, in my home (already have from long ago) or things that are given to me by family members. I do this as a hobby. I made around 0.

Question #3. Do I count this as income?

Question #4. I kept very accurate records of what I earned, how much I paid for each item, what it sold for,- all boiling down to profit and loss. How do I report this, and would it be a seperate Schedule C from babysitting?

Question #5. What is deductible? My trips to the post office, paper to print packing slips, my time on the internet to post/list/respond, shipping materials, my trips to the thrift store?

We want to be able to get the most back as possible (as does everyone). We qualify for the EIC credit even with my income from babysitting/eBay. Would it be wise to show a loss?
Question #6. Can I claim part of my rent as an expense since I work out of my home? What about my car payment for either since I partly use it for business?

Lastly, where do I find information about moving expenses and what’s claimable?