Got a Side Hustle? The IRS is Cracking Down with Form 1099-K
- Find out who needs to use Form 1099-K.
- Learn about the reporting threshold for Form 1099-K.
- Find out who will feel the effects of changes to reporting thresholds.
- Learn why good record keeping will be important as changes take effect.
For several years now, the IRS has required payments made to merchants through various marketplaces, payment processors (credit & debit cards), and third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs) to be reported on Form 1099-K. The purpose is to uncover merchants that do not report all of their income by comparing the Form 1099-K amounts to the amount reported on the individual’s or business’s tax return and following up with the under-reporters by correspondence or by audit.
Many who have not received 1099s in the past should get ready. Big changes are in store for taxpayers with side hustles, and Fiducial has the scoop below!
Form 1099-K, past and future
In the past, the filing threshold for Form 1099-K occurred when the gross amount of total reportable payment transactions during a calendar year exceeded $20,000, and the aggregate number of transactions for that payee in that year exceeded 200. Thus, entrepreneurs with a small side hustle selling merchandise on the Internet directly or through the likes of Amazon, eBay, and others may not have received a 1099-K in the past.
That will all change beginning in January 2023 when reporting begins for 2022 transactions. Why? Because the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included a provision to reduce the reporting threshold to $600, effective in 2022.
Who else will feel the impact?
Also impacted by this reduced threshold will be homeowners who rent out their vacation homes through the likes of Airbnb and VRBO. These people generally avoided Form 1099-Ks in the past because of the 200-transaction threshold. Also, individuals providing services through Internet websites such as delivery, babysitting, companionship, home cleaning, elder care, and other services seldom met the $20,000 threshold and have not received 1099-Ks in the past.
The Form 1099-K only reports gross income. The cost of the products sold and other business expenses can be deducted to determine a merchant’s net taxable profit.
Those renting vacation homes through TPSOs can deduct depreciation, utilities, repairs, and other expenses. Those providing services can deduct certain travel and other expenses. The net profits are subject to income tax. Generally, rentals are not subject to self-employment tax, unless significant personal services are performed.
Thus, keeping records of expenses becomes important. Need further information related to your specific side hustle and what expenses will be deductible? Call Fiducial at 1-866-FIDUCIAL or make an appointment at one of our office locations to discuss your situation.
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