I provide website design and development for providers as a side gig. I don't make a tremendous amount of money from it per year but it's enough that I'm pretty sure I should be paying taxes. I'm hesitant to start asking my clients for a 1099 because I don't want to put them in any position that could ignite curiosity from a certain government entity. Here comes the dumbest question you've ever heard: can I declare income without stating where it came from? I know Uncle Sam in the end just wants whatever money they can get. Thanks in advance for any responses.

Lots of small businesses get income from individuals that don't provide 1099s. And actually, 1099s aren't even required from companies that pay less than $600 in the tax year.

Lots of cash businesses out there with no 1099's.  If you want to stay legal, just declare it as cash income. However you should consult an accountant (don't really need a lawyer for this) to make sure you are getting all your legal deductions

1.  You don't need your clients to give you a 1099.  That is on them if they want to do it, it is not your concern if they don't.  You are supposed to declare your income regardless.

A 1099 does not apply to you. You are self employed, you are required to not only pay taxes on income but also SE (social security / fica )  

I assume that this is you

doh! you found me out!

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040sc.pdf

THIS is honeybutter

simply create a holding company that your customers pay in to so you can pay yourself a small salary, dividends and expense the rest?  Above board and greater tax advantages.

any entity that you create for a "small business" should be a flow through vehicle like an LLC or you will be subject to double taxation, Creating a corporation and electing to take C status will do exactly that and who wants to pay taxes more than once?

Don't agree.  You expense an amazing amount of items, ultimately leading to $0 profit/pass along.