BackYears is an independent referral service. We are not a CPA firm, tax preparer, or law firm, and we are not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. Tax services are provided by independent licensed professionals.
Gig and app workers with a 1099-K
Short answer: A Form 1099-K reports payments you received through payment apps and online marketplaces. To catch up, collect each app's annual tax summary, any 1099-K, 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms, bank statements showing payouts, and whatever mileage and cost records you can rebuild. Costs like fuel and phone bills can be claimed on a return you file, which is one reason people file rather than wait.
Written by the BackYears editorial team. Published . Last reviewed .
Not yet reviewed by a tax professional.
Rideshare, delivery, marketplace selling and other app work can add up quickly, and the tax side often gets left for later. If later turned into a few years, here's a calm place to start.
This page is general information, not tax advice.
What a 1099-K is
Payment apps and online marketplaces may send a Form 1099-K that reports payments you received through them. The IRS explains what it is, and what to do if it's wrong, on understanding your Form 1099-K(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab.
Records that help
- Annual tax summaries from each app (often in your account settings)
- 1099-K, 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms
- Bank statements showing app payouts
- Mileage logs, or a calendar or app history you can rebuild trips from
- Receipts for phone, supplies and other work costs
If forms are missing, the IRS lets you request transcripts that show income reported to it: see Get transcript(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab.
Why costs matter
Gig work often has real costs, like fuel, phone bills and supplies. A return you file yourself is where those can be claimed, which is one reason people choose to file rather than wait. The IRS's self-employed individuals tax center(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab has general information.
How BackYears can help
You don't need to have everything sorted before you start. Answer a few questions about your years and income types. No SSN needed. If you say yes, we'll introduce you to a vetted tax pro who catches gig workers up for a flat price they set and publish. We're an independent referral service, not the IRS and not a tax preparer.
Sources
Questions people ask
I can't find my 1099-K forms. Where do I look?
Many apps keep tax forms in your account settings or an emailed tax summary. The IRS also lets you request transcripts that show income reported to it.
Does mileage matter for past years?
Your costs, including vehicle use for work, can matter. Whether and how they apply is a question for a licensed tax pro.
Want help catching up?
Answer a few questions (no SSN). If you say yes, we'll introduce you to a vetted tax pro who offers a flat price. Free, no obligation.
Start the questionsRelated
- Unfiled 1099 income
Freelance or contract work with no taxes taken out, and a few years unfiled? Here's how people usually get caught up, in plain English.
- Records you'll need as a freelancer
A plain checklist of the records a tax pro usually asks for when you're catching up on unfiled years, and what to do if some are missing.
Everything on this site is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed tax professional.