LawnStarter requirements
Claim lawn mowing jobs in the LawnStarter Pro app. You need your own mower, trimmer, and blower, a truck or SUV, a driver's license, and to pass a background check. Carry whatever insurance your area requires. LawnStarter takes a commission; paid weekly.
At a glance
Source: LawnStarter. Gas and wear typically cut this 25–40%.
What you'll need
Before your first LawnStarter shift.
Set aside money for taxes
Nobody withholds taxes from contract pay. If your net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more in a year, you owe self-employment tax of 15.3% (Social Security and Medicare) on top of regular income tax. You have to report all of it, even if the platform never sends you a 1099. Move a share of every payout into a separate account so the bill doesn't surprise you.
Source: IRS: Self-employment tax · IRS: Manage taxes for your gig work
Know the quarterly tax dates
Independent contractors may need to pay estimated taxes four times a year to avoid a penalty: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. If a date lands on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day. If you also have a regular W-2 job, you can have extra tax withheld from that paycheck instead, using a new Form W-4.
Keep receipts and payout records
Save receipts for work expenses (phone, gear, supplies, fees) and keep a record of every payout. Deductible expenses lower the tax you owe, but only if you can show them. A free spreadsheet works; so does a separate debit card used only for work costs.
Have a bank account or debit card ready
Platforms pay by direct deposit or to a debit card, and faster cash-out options usually need a debit card. Check the app's payout terms before your first cash-out, since instant transfers can carry a fee.
Get the monthly update
New no-interview gigs, pay changes, and rule changes, once a month. No spam; unsubscribe anytime.
LawnStarter questions
How old do you have to be to work for LawnStarter?
Does LawnStarter require a background check?
How fast does LawnStarter pay?
How much does LawnStarter pay?
Do you need a car for LawnStarter?
Is LawnStarter a W-2 job or independent contractor work?
Similar tasks & labor
Sources
Last checked November 2026. Requirements change often, so confirm with LawnStarter before you rely on them.