New IRS 1099-K Rules: What Every Gig Worker Must Know

The gig economy has been booming in the United States, with millions of workers driving, delivering, freelancing, and creating content to earn income. With platforms like Uber, DoorDash, Etsy, and Fiverr leading the way, gig work has never been easier to access.

However, with this increased activity comes increased attention from the IRS. If you’re a gig worker, you need to stay informed about the new IRS 1099-K rules for 2024 and beyond. These changes can impact how you file taxes and what you owe.

Let’s understand the updates, ensuring what all you need to know in order to be compliant to and avoid surprises this tax season.

What is a 1099-K Form?

We first need to understand Form 1099-K, before diving into the new rules. Form 1099-K is a tax form used to report income from third-party payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, and gig platforms like Uber, Lyft, Etsy, and Upwork. Essentially, it captures payments made to you via credit/debit cards or other electronic payment systems.

It is important to note that, previously, gig workers only received a 1099-K if they earned more than $20,000 and had over 200 transactions in a calendar year. However, now this threshold has been significantly lowered.

What’s the new IRS 1099-K rule?

As per the notice issued on 11/26/2024 by the IRS, the reporting threshold for the total payments received by third party settlement organizations for 1099-K forms has now been reduced $5,000 in 2024; $2,500 in 2025; and $600 in calendar year 2026 and thereafter.

This means, any gig worker who earns more than $600 in payments through third-party platforms will receive a 1099-K form. There is no longer a minimum transaction count—just the $600 income threshold.

Here’s a quick comparison:

For gig workers, this is a huge shift, as even if a gig worker earns a small amount on the side, he/she could still receive a 1099-K form and need to report that income when filing their taxes.

Why did the IRS change the 1099-K rules? 

To make sure that all income is appropriately reported and taxed, the IRS is strengthening tax compliance. A large pool of workforce with unreported side income has been produced by the gig economy's growth. The IRS hopes to reduce the tax gap and increase transparency regarding gig economy revenues by lowering the threshold.

This change is not intended to increase the tax burden, but to ensure that all the income is being accurately reported to the IRS.

Who will be affected? 

If you’re a gig worker, freelancer, small business owner, or independent contractor who gets paid through digital payment platforms or gig apps, the new 1099-K rules directly affect you. Below mentioned are a few examples:

• Rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft) 
• Delivery workers (DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats) 
• Freelancers (Upwork, Fiverr) 
• Online sellers (eBay, Etsy, Poshmark) 
• Content creators (YouTube, TikTok, Patreon) 

If you earn more than $5000/$2500/$600 on any single platform, you will receive a 1099-K form from that platform at the end of the year. The income from gig work is taxable and needs to be recorded, regardless of whether it is the primary job or a side gig.

What should you do if you receive a 1099-K?

Here are the key steps you should follow:

1. Check Your 1099-K Form for Accuracy 

When you receive your 1099-K, double-check the details. Make sure the following information is correct:

• Your name and address 
• Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number 
• The total income reported 

Mistakes can happen, so it’s important to get errors fixed quickly by contacting the platform that issued the form.

2. Report All Your Income

The IRS requires you to report all income—even if you don’t receive a 1099-K. This includes cash tips, income from cash payments, and payments that don’t hit the $600 threshold. Keeping detailed records of your earnings will help you accurately report your total income.

3. Track Your Expenses

As a gig worker, you can deduct eligible business expenses to lower your taxable income. Some common deductible expenses include:

• Gas, car maintenance, and mileage (for rideshare and delivery drivers)
• Platform fees or commissions
• Supplies (e.g., packaging, tools, software)
• Internet and phone bills (for freelancers and online sellers)

By tracking your expenses, you can reduce your overall tax liability.

4. Work with a Tax Professional

Understanding the new IRS 1099-K rules can be tricky, but WBB Gig Taxes makes it easy. We specialize in helping gig workers maximize deductions and file accurately, all through a seamless online process. Save time, avoid mistakes, and get the refund you deserve with WBB Gig Taxes.

What Happens if you do not report your 1099-K income?

Failing to report 1099-K income can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Penalties and interest: If the IRS discovers unreported income, you may be hit with penalties and interest on the unpaid tax. 
• Audits: The IRS may flag your return for an audit, especially if the income reported on your 1099-K doesn’t match what you filed.
• Increased tax liability later: Unreported income can catch up with you in future tax years, increasing your overall tax burden.

The IRS receives a copy of your 1099-K form, so they will know if your reported income doesn’t align with what’s on file.

The Bottom Line

The new IRS 1099-K rules are a big shift for gig workers in the U.S. With the threshold lowered to $600 from 2026 onwards, more workers than ever will receive a 1099-K form for their earnings. While this change may seem daunting, staying informed and proactive can make tax season much smoother.

By keeping track of your income, monitoring expenses, and working with tax experts, you can ensure compliance with IRS rules and avoid surprises. Remember, taxes are a part of gig work, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can navigate them confidently.