Tax reporting can be a complex and confusing task, especially when it comes to understanding the various forms and requirements. Recently, the rules surrounding Form 1099-K have undergone significant changes, and it’s important to stay informed to ensure accurate reporting. We’ll discuss the updates in 1099-K reporting for the 2024 tax year and how they may affect you.
LOWERED THRESHOLD AND INCREASED REPORTING
Starting in 2025, more people than ever will receive a Form 1099-K due to a significant change made by Congress. Previously, third-party settlement networks such as PayPal, Square, Venmo, and eBay were required to send a 1099-K only to sellers who had over 200 transactions and received $20,000 in a year for goods or services. However, under the new rules, the threshold has been lowered, leading to a broader scope of reporting.
If you engage in selling goods or services and receive over $600 in a year, you may receive a 1099-K. This means that even if you don’t meet the previous threshold of 200 transactions or $20,000 in sales, you could still receive the form. The intention behind this change is to capture a wider range of income and improve tax compliance.
UNDERSTANDING GAIN AND REPORTING
Depending on what you sell and whether you make a profit on those sales, the way you report your 1099-K income will vary. Let’s consider a couple of scenarios to illustrate this:
Scenario: Selling a Refrigerator on eBay
Suppose you sell a refrigerator on eBay for $600, but you originally purchased it for $1,500. In this case, you won’t record a gain because you sold the item at a loss. Despite this, eBay will still send you a 1099-K in late January 2025, stating the sales price as $600. Even though you sold the refrigerator at a loss, you won’t get to record a loss, but you also won’t be taxed on the 1099-K you receive for $600 if you report it correctly on your return.
Scenario: Selling Taylor Swift Concert Tickets on Ticketmaster
Imagine you sell tickets to a Taylor Swift concert on Ticketmaster for $1,200, but you initially purchased them for $400. In this case, you would record an $800 gain from the sale. Some taxpayers would receive a 1099-K for $1,200 and think they owe tax on the full amount, but that would be incorrect in this scenario. The cost of $400 associated with this sale is used to offset the gain.
COMPLEXITIES AND SEEKING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
Determining where to properly record your 1099-K income on your tax return can become intricate, particularly when dealing with various types of income and transactions. Each situation may have unique reporting requirements, and it’s crucial to navigate these complexities accurately.
If you’re unsure about the updates in 1099-K reporting or face other tax-related concerns, seeking professional assistance can be invaluable. A tax professional at Aldridge Borden can guide you through the process, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations and optimizing your tax situation. Contact us.
© 2023