{ "batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_irs_self_employment_tax", "category": "Business", "title": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS): self-employment tax rate, threshold, and form for tax year 2025/2026", "summary": "Individuals with net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more must pay self-employment tax at a rate of 15.3% using Schedule SE (Form 1040).", "body": "Individuals with net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more must pay self-employment tax at a rate of 15.3% using Schedule SE (Form 1040).\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 334 (2025/2026) actually says:\n\n“Generally, you must pay SE tax and file Schedule SE (Form 1040) if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more... The SE tax rate on net earnings is 15.3% (12.4% social security tax plus 2.9% Medicare tax)”\n\nNote: Applies for tax years 2025 and 2026.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334", "last_verified": "2026-09-02", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 334 (2025/2026)", "evidence_quote": "Generally, you must pay SE tax and file Schedule SE (Form 1040) if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more... The SE tax rate on net earnings is 15.3% (12.4% social security tax plus 2.9% Medicare tax)", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "topic": "self-employment tax rate, threshold, and form for tax year 2025/2026", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "US self-employed individuals and sole proprietors", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_irs_estimated_tax_dates", "category": "Business", "title": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS): quarterly estimated tax payment requirements and due dates for tax year 2026", "summary": "Taxpayers expecting to owe $1,000 or more in tax must make quarterly estimated tax payments due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 using Form 1040-ES.", "body": "Taxpayers expecting to owe $1,000 or more in tax must make quarterly estimated tax payments due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 using Form 1040-ES.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 505 (2026) actually says:\n\n“Generally, you must make estimated tax payments for the current tax year if both of the following apply: - You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current tax year... Jan. 1 – March 31: April 15; April 1 – May 31: June 15; June 1 – Aug. 31: Sept. 15; Sept. 1 – Dec. 31: Jan. 15, next year”\n\nNote: Tax Year 2026 schedule.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/publications/p505", "last_verified": "2026-09-02", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 505 (2026)", "evidence_quote": "Generally, you must make estimated tax payments for the current tax year if both of the following apply: - You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current tax year... Jan. 1 – March 31: April 15; April 1 – May 31: June 15; June 1 – Aug. 31: Sept. 15; Sept. 1 – Dec. 31: Jan. 15, next year", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "topic": "quarterly estimated tax payment requirements and due dates for tax year 2026", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "US taxpayers with self-employment or other unwithheld income", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_irs_information_returns_thresholds", "category": "Business", "title": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS): information return thresholds for Form 1099-NEC and Form 1099-K", "summary": "For tax year 2025, Form 1099-NEC threshold is $600 and Form 1099-K threshold is $2,500; for tax year 2026, Form 1099-NEC threshold increases to $2,000.", "body": "For tax year 2025, Form 1099-NEC threshold is $600 and Form 1099-K threshold is $2,500; for tax year 2026, Form 1099-NEC threshold increases to $2,000.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 15 & Publication 1099 actually says:\n\n“For payments made after calendar year 2025, P.L. 119-21 increases the information reporting... payment threshold from $600 to $2,000 in a calendar year for certain payments to persons engaged in a trade or business and payments for services... Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions, when reportable proceeds exceed $2,500 for 2025”\n\nNote: Statutory reporting thresholds updated for 2025 and 2026.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-09-02", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 15 & Publication 1099", "evidence_quote": "For payments made after calendar year 2025, P.L. 119-21 increases the information reporting... payment threshold from $600 to $2,000 in a calendar year for certain payments to persons engaged in a trade or business and payments for services... Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions, when reportable proceeds exceed $2,500 for 2025", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "topic": "information return thresholds for Form 1099-NEC and Form 1099-K", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "Platforms and payment settlement entities reporting creator income", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_irs_nonus_withholding", "category": "Business", "title": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS): non-US creator withholding and reporting for tax year 2026", "summary": "Nonresident alien creators receiving US-source income file Form W-8BEN to claim foreign status or tax treaty benefits, and payers withhold 30% unless a lower treaty rate applies, reporting via Form 1042-S.", "body": "Nonresident alien creators receiving US-source income file Form W-8BEN to claim foreign status or tax treaty benefits, and payers withhold 30% unless a lower treaty rate applies, reporting via Form 1042-S.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“United States (U.S.) source nonemployee compensation for any amount is reportable on Form 1042-S... Withhold at 30% or lesser tax treaty rate if applicable... The beneficial owner may claim the lesser tax treaty rate by filing Form W-8 BEN”\n\nNote: Applies to international creators earning US-source digital revenue.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/federal-income-tax-withholding-and-reporting-on-other-kinds-of-us-source-income-paid-to-nonresident-aliens", "last_verified": "2026-09-02", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "United States (U.S.) source nonemployee compensation for any amount is reportable on Form 1042-S... Withhold at 30% or lesser tax treaty rate if applicable... The beneficial owner may claim the lesser tax treaty rate by filing Form W-8 BEN", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "topic": "non-US creator withholding and reporting for tax year 2026", "applies_to_country": "*", "applies_to_scope": "Non-US resident creators earning US-source income", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_irs_sole_proprietor_records", "category": "Business", "title": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS): sole proprietor record retention period for tax year 2026", "summary": "Sole proprietors must keep records supporting items reported on tax returns as long as they may be needed for the administration of tax law, generally 3 years from the date the return was due or filed.", "body": "Sole proprietors must keep records supporting items reported on tax returns as long as they may be needed for the administration of tax law, generally 3 years from the date the return was due or filed.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Keep records supporting items reported on a tax return until the period of limitations expires (1) 3 years after the date your return is due or filed, or (2) 2 years after the date the tax was paid.”\n\nNote: Standard IRS record retention rule.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/common-questions-about-recordkeeping-for-small-businesses", "last_verified": "2026-09-02", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Keep records supporting items reported on a tax return until the period of limitations expires (1) 3 years after the date your return is due or filed, or (2) 2 years after the date the tax was paid.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "topic": "sole proprietor record retention period for tax year 2026", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "Sole proprietors and independent contractors", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_irs_home_business_expenses", "category": "Business", "title": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS): categories of business expenses for a home-based business for tax year 2026", "summary": "The IRS names depreciation, insurance, rent, repairs, security system, and utilities and services as deductible expenses for the business use of a home.", "body": "The IRS names depreciation, insurance, rent, repairs, security system, and utilities and services as deductible expenses for the business use of a home.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 587 (2025/2026) actually says:\n\n“These expenses generally include (but are not limited to): - Depreciation... - Insurance, - Rent, - Repairs, - Security system, and - Utilities and services.”\n\nNote: Official IRS Publication 587 categories for home-based business deductions.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/publications/p587", "last_verified": "2026-09-02", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Publication 587 (2025/2026)", "evidence_quote": "These expenses generally include (but are not limited to): - Depreciation... - Insurance, - Rent, - Repairs, - Security system, and - Utilities and services.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "topic": "categories of business expenses for a home-based business for tax year 2026", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "Home-based businesses and home office deductions", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_001", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — self-employment (SE) tax", "summary": "The federal self-employment (SE) tax rate is 15.3%, which is the sum of 12.4% for Social Security (old-age, survivors, and disability insurance) and 2.9% for Medicare (hospital insurance).", "body": "The federal self-employment (SE) tax rate is 15.3%, which is the sum of 12.4% for Social Security (old-age, survivors, and disability insurance) and 2.9% for Medicare (hospital insurance).\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%. The rate consists of two parts: 12.4% for social security (old-age, survivors, and disability insurance) and 2.9% for Medicare (hospital insurance).”\n\nNote: The 15.3% SE tax rate has applied across recent years; the wage base for the 12.4% Social Security portion changes annually (2026: $184,500, record 002). The employer-equivalent portion of SE tax is deductible in computing AGI.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%. The rate consists of two parts: 12.4% for social security (old-age, survivors, and disability insurance) and 2.9% for Medicare (hospital insurance).", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Self-employment tax rate", "topic": "Federal income tax — self-employment (SE) tax", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_002", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — self-employment (SE) tax", "summary": "For earnings in 2026, the Social Security wage base limit — the maximum amount of combined wages and self-employment earnings subject to the Social Security portion of payroll/SE tax — is $184,500.", "body": "For earnings in 2026, the Social Security wage base limit — the maximum amount of combined wages and self-employment earnings subject to the Social Security portion of payroll/SE tax — is $184,500.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“The wage base limit is the maximum wage that's subject to the tax for that year. For earnings in 2026, this base limit is $184,500.”\n\nNote: Topic 751 states the 2026 SS wage base; the 2026 draft Schedule SE instructions use the same $184,500 limit for self-employment income, up from $176,100 for 2025 (2025 Schedule SE instructions). Medicare has no wage base limit.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc751", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "The wage base limit is the maximum wage that's subject to the tax for that year. For earnings in 2026, this base limit is $184,500.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Social Security wage base (wage base for SE tax)", "topic": "Federal income tax — self-employment (SE) tax", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_003", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — self-employment (SE) tax", "summary": "You must pay self-employment tax (and file Schedule SE) if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more in the year.", "body": "You must pay self-employment tax (and file Schedule SE) if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more in the year.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“You must pay SE tax if you had net earnings of $400 or more as a self-employed person.”\n\nNote: 2025 Schedule SE instructions (current final revision as of 2026-09-11). The $400 threshold is a standing statutory threshold (IRC 1402) applied every year.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040sse", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "You must pay SE tax if you had net earnings of $400 or more as a self-employed person.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Self-employment tax liability trigger", "topic": "Federal income tax — self-employment (SE) tax", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_004", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — estimated taxes", "summary": "Sole proprietors (and other individuals, including partners and S corporation shareholders) generally must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax when their return is filed.", "body": "Sole proprietors (and other individuals, including partners and S corporation shareholders) generally must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax when their return is filed.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, generally have to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed.”\n\nNote: Estimated payments cover income tax plus self-employment tax and AMT. Penalty can apply for underpayment; safe harbors: pay 90% of current-year tax or 100% of prior-year tax (110% for higher-income taxpayers).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, generally have to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Who must pay estimated tax", "topic": "Federal income tax — estimated taxes", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_005", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — estimated taxes", "summary": "For tax year 2026, the four quarterly estimated tax payment installments are due April 15, June 15, and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.", "body": "For tax year 2026, the four quarterly estimated tax payment installments are due April 15, June 15, and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“For estimated tax purposes, the year is divided into four payment periods. Each period has a specific payment due date.”\n\nNote: The FAQ payment-period table maps Jan 1–Mar 31 to April 15, Apr 1–May 31 to June 15, Jun 1–Aug 31 to Sept 15, and Sep 1–Dec 31 to January 15 of the following year; the 2026-specific dates also appear in Form 1040-ES (2026) (f1040es.pdf, 2026-02-12), which is PDF-only. If a due date falls on a weekend/holiday, payment is due the next business day.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax/individuals/individuals-2", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "For estimated tax purposes, the year is divided into four payment periods. Each period has a specific payment due date.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "2026 estimated tax due dates", "topic": "Federal income tax — estimated taxes", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_006", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "summary": "A payment app or online marketplace (third-party settlement organization, TPSO) must send a Form 1099-K only when a payee's gross payments for goods or services exceed $20,000 and the number of transactions exceeds 200; this threshold applies to tax year 2026 because the One Big Beautiful Bill Act retroactively reinstated the pre-ARPA threshold.", "body": "A payment app or online marketplace (third-party settlement organization, TPSO) must send a Form 1099-K only when a payee's gross payments for goods or services exceed $20,000 and the number of transactions exceeds 200; this threshold applies to tax year 2026 because the One Big Beautiful Bill Act retroactively reinstated the pre-ARPA threshold.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“A payment app or online marketplace is required to send you a Form 1099-K if the payments you received for goods or services total over $20,000 in more than 200 transactions. However, they may send you a Form 1099-K with lower amounts and/or transactions.”\n\nNote: Form 1099-K FAQ: 'The One, Big, Beautiful Bill retroactively reinstated the reporting threshold in effect prior to the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) so that third party settlement organizations are not required to file Forms 1099-K unless the gross amount of reportable payment transactions to a payee exceeds $20,000 and the number of transactions exceeds 200.' The ARPA-era $600 threshold was never implemented. States may set lower thresholds.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "A payment app or online marketplace is required to send you a Form 1099-K if the payments you received for goods or services total over $20,000 in more than 200 transactions. However, they may send you a Form 1099-K with lower amounts and/or transactions.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Form 1099-K TPSO threshold", "topic": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_007", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "summary": "There is no minimum threshold for Form 1099-K reporting of payment-card (credit/debit/stored-value card) transactions: even a $0.01 payment via a payment card should produce a Form 1099-K.", "body": "There is no minimum threshold for Form 1099-K reporting of payment-card (credit/debit/stored-value card) transactions: even a $0.01 payment via a payment card should produce a Form 1099-K.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“There is no threshold amount that must be met to receive a Form 1099-K due to payments received through a payment card transaction. Therefore, if you received $0.01 of payments from a payment card transaction, you should receive a Form 1099-K for those payments.”\n\nNote: Merchant acquiring entities (payment-card processors) report regardless of amount; only TPSOs are subject to the $20,000/200 threshold (record 006).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/form-1099-k-faqs-general-information", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "There is no threshold amount that must be met to receive a Form 1099-K due to payments received through a payment card transaction. Therefore, if you received $0.01 of payments from a payment card transaction, you should receive a Form 1099-K for those payments.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Form 1099-K for payment cards (no threshold)", "topic": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_008", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "summary": "Payment card companies, payment apps, and online marketplaces must file Form 1099-K with the IRS each year and send a copy to the payee by January 31.", "body": "Payment card companies, payment apps, and online marketplaces must file Form 1099-K with the IRS each year and send a copy to the payee by January 31.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Payment card companies, payment apps and online marketplaces are required to fill out Form 1099-K and send it to the IRS each year. They must also send a copy to you by January 31.”\n\nNote: A payee may receive multiple Forms 1099-K when selling on different platforms.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Payment card companies, payment apps and online marketplaces are required to fill out Form 1099-K and send it to the IRS each year. They must also send a copy to you by January 31.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Who issues Form 1099-K and by when", "topic": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_009", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "summary": "A creator must report on their tax return all income from selling goods or providing services, even if they receive no Form 1099-K and even for amounts below reporting thresholds; the reporting threshold does not affect whether the income is taxable.", "body": "A creator must report on their tax return all income from selling goods or providing services, even if they receive no Form 1099-K and even for amounts below reporting thresholds; the reporting threshold does not affect whether the income is taxable.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Whether or not you receive a Form 1099-K, you must still report any income on your tax return. This includes payments for any goods you sell (including personal items such as clothing or furniture sold at a gain) or services you provide.”\n\nNote: Form 1099-K FAQ Q7: 'All income, no matter the amount, is taxable unless the tax law says it isn't – even if you don't get a Form 1099-K.' Creator platform income is reported on Schedule C (Instructions for Schedule C: 'certain amounts shown on a Form 1099, such as Form 1099-MISC, Form 1099-NEC, and Form 1099-K').", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Whether or not you receive a Form 1099-K, you must still report any income on your tax return. This includes payments for any goods you sell (including personal items such as clothing or furniture sold at a gain) or services you provide.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Creator must report income even without Form 1099-K", "topic": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-K", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_010", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-NEC", "summary": "For tax year 2026, a business must file Form 1099-NEC for any person to whom it paid at least $2,000 during the year in nonemployee compensation; the threshold was raised from $600 for tax years beginning after 2025 by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.", "body": "For tax year 2026, a business must file Form 1099-NEC for any person to whom it paid at least $2,000 during the year in nonemployee compensation; the threshold was raised from $600 for tax years beginning after 2025 by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“File Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, for each person in the course of your business during the year to whom you have paid at least $2,000 in:”\n\nNote: What's New, 12/2026 revision: 'For tax years beginning after 2025, the minimum threshold amount for reporting certain payments required to be reported on certain information returns and/or perform backup withholding on those payments increased to $2,000 and may be adjusted for inflation beginning in calendar year 2027.' Brand collaboration and affiliate income paid to a creator is nonemployee compensation reported on this form.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1099mec", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "File Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, for each person in the course of your business during the year to whom you have paid at least $2,000 in:", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Form 1099-NEC threshold (nonemployee compensation)", "topic": "Federal information returns — Form 1099-NEC", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_011", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "summary": "A sole proprietor may deduct on Schedule C all ordinary and necessary business expenses, and line 48 'Other expenses' is the catch-all for such expenses not deducted elsewhere (details in Pub. 334, chapter 8).", "body": "A sole proprietor may deduct on Schedule C all ordinary and necessary business expenses, and line 48 'Other expenses' is the catch-all for such expenses not deducted elsewhere (details in Pub. 334, chapter 8).\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Include all ordinary and necessary business expenses not deducted elsewhere on Schedule C.”\n\nNote: Same page: 'For details on business expenses, see Pub. 334, chapter 8.' Categories creators commonly use and that are deductible as ordinary and necessary include software/subscriptions (record 012), car/truck expenses (record 013), home office (record 014), advertising, office supplies and postage, equipment, and business meals at 50%.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040sc", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Include all ordinary and necessary business expenses not deducted elsewhere on Schedule C.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Ordinary and necessary business expenses (deduction clause)", "topic": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_012", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "summary": "Creators can deduct the cost of technology and software tools that are ordinary and necessary and directly related to operating the business, such as tax preparation software and business subscription services.", "body": "Creators can deduct the cost of technology and software tools that are ordinary and necessary and directly related to operating the business, such as tax preparation software and business subscription services.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“You can deduct technology and software tools that are ordinary and necessary expenses directly related to operating your business. Generally, this will include tax preparation software and subscription services paid to manage your business.”\n\nNote: Software that must be capitalized/depreciated or expensed under section 179 is not currently deductible.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040sc", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "You can deduct technology and software tools that are ordinary and necessary expenses directly related to operating your business. Generally, this will include tax preparation software and subscription services paid to manage your business.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Deductions: technology and software tools", "topic": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_013", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "summary": "For tax year 2025, the optional standard mileage rate for business use of a car is 70 cents per mile.", "body": "For tax year 2025, the optional standard mileage rate for business use of a car is 70 cents per mile.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“For 2025, the standard mileage rate for the cost of operating your car for business use is 70 cents per mile.”\n\nNote: Mileage rates are adjusted annually; the 2026 rate was announced by the IRS in December 2025 and may differ. Creators driving to shoots/events should keep a contemporaneous mileage log.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040sc", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "For 2025, the standard mileage rate for the cost of operating your car for business use is 70 cents per mile.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Deductions: standard mileage rate", "topic": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_014", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "summary": "Self-employed taxpayers (Schedule C filers) may deduct expenses for the part of a home used for business; under the simplified safe-harbor method the deduction is a prescribed $5 per square foot of business space, up to a maximum of 300 square feet.", "body": "Self-employed taxpayers (Schedule C filers) may deduct expenses for the part of a home used for business; under the simplified safe-harbor method the deduction is a prescribed $5 per square foot of business space, up to a maximum of 300 square feet.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Revenue Procedure 2013-13 PDF allows qualifying taxpayers to use a prescribed rate of $5 per square foot of the portion of the home used for business (up to a maximum of 300 square feet) to compute the business use of home deduction.”\n\nNote: Requirements: space must be used exclusively and regularly as the principal place of business (with limited exceptions); the deduction cannot exceed gross income from the business. The regular method uses Form 8829. See Pub. 587.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc509", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Revenue Procedure 2013-13 PDF allows qualifying taxpayers to use a prescribed rate of $5 per square foot of the portion of the home used for business (up to a maximum of 300 square feet) to compute the business use of home deduction.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Deductions: business use of home (home office)", "topic": "Federal income tax — Schedule C business deductions", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_015", "category": "Business", "title": "Record-retention period: Federal income tax — recordkeeping", "summary": "Generally you must keep records supporting items of income, deduction, or credit shown on a tax return until the period of limitations runs out — keep records for 3 years unless a specific exception applies (e.g., 6 years if more than 25% of gross income is unreported).", "body": "Generally you must keep records supporting items of income, deduction, or credit shown on a tax return until the period of limitations runs out — keep records for 3 years unless a specific exception applies (e.g., 6 years if more than 25% of gross income is unreported).\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Keep records for 3 years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you.”\n\nNote: Same page: 'Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return.' Keep copies of filed returns; property records until the limitation period expires for the year of disposition.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Keep records for 3 years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Record-retention period", "topic": "Federal income tax — recordkeeping", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r12_us_federal_tax_12_us_federal_tax_016", "category": "Business", "title": "Federal income tax — reference resources", "summary": "IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses, has been discontinued (last revision 2022); for business-expense topics the IRS points to Pub. 334 (Tax Guide for Small Business), Pub. 547, Pub. 583, and Pub. 587 (Business Use of Your Home), and to Form 7206 for the self-employed health insurance deduction.", "body": "IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses, has been discontinued (last revision 2022); for business-expense topics the IRS points to Pub. 334 (Tax Guide for Small Business), Pub. 547, Pub. 583, and Pub. 587 (Business Use of Your Home), and to Form 7206 for the self-employed health insurance deduction.\n\nWhat Internal Revenue Service (IRS) actually says:\n\n“Note: We have discontinued Publication 535, Business Expenses; the last revision was for 2022.”\n\nNote: The guide maps the 'Deducting Business Expenses' topic to Pub. 334, Pub. 547, Pub. 583, and Pub. 587; Pub. 535 chapter 6 Worksheet 6A became Form 7206 (2023).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/guide-to-business-expense-resources", "last_verified": "2026-09-11", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)", "evidence_quote": "Note: We have discontinued Publication 535, Business Expenses; the last revision was for 2022.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "12-us-federal-tax", "subject": "Publication 535 discontinued; replacement resources", "topic": "Federal income tax — reference resources", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }