Digital Nomad
Staying Compliant as a Digital Nomad Under US Rules: Form 1099-K & TPSO Thresholds
Understanding new reporting thresholds under OBBB that could affect digital nomads receiving platform payments, with focus on Form 1099-K changes, backup withholding, and recordkeeping.
By NomadicTax Research Team • 5-8 min read • November 17, 2025
## Why Digital Nomads Should Care About Form 1099-K Changes
Digital nomads often earn small payments across multiple platforms. Under recent OBBB law and IRS guidance:
- Platform payments may now be reported if **gross payments exceed $2,500** in 2025, and drop to **$600** in 2026.
- Even if you don't meet thresholds, if you receive a form, the IRS has the data — you must report all income. ([irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/form-1099-k-faqs?utm_source=openai))
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## Backup Withholding & TPSO Responsibility
- Starting **2025**, third-party settlement organizations (payment apps, marketplaces) must perform **backup withholding** (24%) if you haven’t provided a valid Social Security Number or TIN, **regardless of transaction count**.
- Penalties apply if the organization fails to withhold when required.
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## Keeping Records & Handling Reports
- Track all platform income, fees, refunds, and basis (cost of any goods sold). A $5,500 total from many small sales may trigger a Form 1099-K under new limits.
- If you sell items at a loss, you still might receive a form; rules allow you to offset non-taxable or loss-making items.
- Ensure your payment platforms have correct identity info (name, SSN/TIN) to avoid unnecessary withholding.
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## Example: A Nomad Selling Digital and Physical Goods
Jana sells digital course content and crafts across two platforms. In 2025, she receives $3,000 from Platform A and $1,500 from Platform B. Neither gives her the 1099-K because thresholds differ per platform. When she files for 2025 U.S. taxes, she must report **$4,500 total gross revenue**, minus fees and expenses, even without a printed 1099-K. Her AGI is $45,000 so no phase-outs for deduction eligibility; she ensures she has a valid SSN on file to avoid backup withholding.
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## Actionable Takeaways for Digital Nomads
1. Keep a clean record: save statements, receipts, platform dashboards.
2. Invoices & cost basis matter: deduct fees, shipping, production cost.
3. Watch when platform thresholds change: 2026 brings a major drop to $600.
4. Ensure your TIN is properly provided to each platform.
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## Bottom Line
The landscape is shifting—platform income that was under-the-radar under last thresholds may now trigger reporting. Record-keeping, awareness of thresholds, and correct identity info are vital for digital nomads to stay compliant and avoid surprises.