1099-K Reporting changes for 2022
by November 22, 2023
In 2021, the IRS made some changes to bring efficiency and increased accuracy to its reporting and compliance processes. This brought a few updates to the 1099-K reporting, notably, a lower threshold that will have a big impact on sellers.
This threshold change comes as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act that was signed into law on March 11, 2021. This threshold change became effective in 2022.
What is the 1099-K form used for?
Per the IRS, “Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions, is an IRS information return used to report certain payment transactions to improve voluntary tax compliance.” Essentially, this form came about back in 2008 as a way to ensure online retailers are reporting the appropriate amount of sales for tax purposes.
This form requires payment card companies, such as Visa or PayPal, to report payment transactions they have processed on behalf of a retailer. Here’s how it works. The credit card companies give the IRS a 1099-K form that details all their transactions with an online seller for tax purposes. And the seller also receives a copy of that form for their records as well. So if you have accepted a credit card payment online, you will likely end up with a 1099-K form that gives a synopsis of all your sales with each of the payment card companies.
New gross payment threshold for 2022
The IRS announced a new gross payment threshold as part of their reporting requirements. Prior to this new change, you will have received Form 1099-K from a credit card/payment company if in the previous calendar year you received payments:
- from payment card transactions (debit, credit or stored-value cards), and/or
- in settlement of third-party payment network transactions above the minimum reporting thresholds of –
- gross payments that exceed $20,000, AND
- more than 200 such transactions
However, starting in 2022, the new gross payment threshold is $600. This update means that you are required to file a 1099-K form and report it to the IRS and the customer if they exceed $600 a year. A big change from $20,000.
Why lower the threshold now? With the rise of the gig economy and self-employment trends, workers who earned less than $20,000 a year didn’t receive a 1099-K form from the company, and some were misreporting their income, and underreported what they made. Altogether making their tax information incorrect.
Next steps
If you are a company that uses an online platform like eBay or PayPal and would reach the new $600 threshold, the payment company would send you a 1099-K form for reporting. Be sure to be thorough in your review of the sales and ensure they match what you have in your reporting. If you are unsure of how the 1099-K threshold change impacts you, we recommend reaching out to a tax professional for guidance.
