There has been updated guidance on how and when tax filers must file and report Form 1099-K, Payment Card, and Third-Party Network Transactions in 2022 and 2023. According to the December IRS release, new income and transaction reporting requirements for so-called third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs) have been delayed for one year.
A TPSO, according to the IRS, facilitates payments to “participating payees” of the platform. This type of organization can be an online marketplace, an app, or payment card processors that are used to facilitate commerce transactions. It could be a digital marketplace that holds auctions or items for sale that functions as a nexus between those selling items and those buying the items. The TPSO also is tasked with reporting the total amount of transactions to the IRS and the payee or individual who receives remittance(s) from the TPSO in conjunction with selling an item on an auction website or similar platform, based on the new $600 tax calendar year threshold.
The previous reporting threshold (which is in effect for filing taxes for the 2022 calendar year) for TPSOs to be mandated to report to the IRS was:
1. More than 200 transactions occurring annually
2. More than $20,000 in sales annually
Originally set to take effect for the 2022 tax calendar year and mandated in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, the new reporting threshold is triggered when more than $600 is earned in aggregate for a single tax year, without regard to the number of transactions per calendar year. It will take effect starting Jan. 1, 2023.
When it comes to calculating tax obligations, it’s important to notice how differences exist between gains and losses. For example, the first step is to determine whether there’s been a sale or a loss. If there’s a gain, it must be reported on Schedule D and Form 8949.
Depending on the outcome of the sale (a gain or loss) the IRS gives guidance accordingly. If it’s a gain, when it comes to accounting for fees paid in conjunction with the item’s listing, the selling expenses should be reported as “a downward adjustment” on either Form 8949 or Schedule D. Another consideration on sales of personal items is determining whether it’s a short- or long-term gain. Items sold that are held for more than one year are recognized as long-term. If the item sold has been held for one year or less, the capital gain is recognized as short-term. But when it comes to losses, the IRS doesn’t permit filers’ deductions.
There is one important distinction between online sellers and “personal transactions” with the 1099-K Form. When items are sold for a profit, the 1099-K Form intends to ensure income earned is reported to the IRS (and state revenue agency). However, if family members or friends are using such “third-party payment platforms” to split a purchase (for a meal, entertainment, ride-share, reimbursing a bill payment, etc.) such transactions are excluded because they qualify as “personal transactions” under IRS guidance.
With the guidance for smaller transactions evolving, which will undoubtedly impact more and more filers, individuals and those professionals helping them will undoubtedly have to keep an eye on future changes to 2023’s Tax Code.