College athletes (NIL)

If you're a college athlete earning money from your name, image, or likeness, that income generally needs to go on a tax return. We can help you get the records together and file. Parents are welcome to sit in.

Every deal is a little different, so call or text us and we'll go over yours. If you're getting ready for the 2027 filing season (tax year 2026), the sooner we can look at the records, the better.

What counts as NIL income

NIL income is money or other value you receive for your name, image, or likeness. That can include cash payments from deals, appearances, camps, or social media work. It can also include non-cash compensation, such as merchandise, gift cards, free gear, or other items of value. If you're not sure whether something counts, just bring it and we can review it with you.

How it is usually reported

How the income is reported depends on the deal. Some NIL income is self-employment income, often reported on a 1099-NEC. Some is a royalty with no personal services, often on a 1099-MISC. Some, including certain school pay or revenue-sharing, may come on a W-2. A missing form does not mean the income can be left off the return. We can review your records with you.

Quarterly estimates and more than one state

Quarterly estimated payments may apply, depending on how much you earn and whether tax is already being withheld. Multi-state questions also come up when your home, your school, and the place you did the work or appearances are not all the same. Bring notes on where you lived during the year (home and school), and where you did the work or appearances, so we can look at which states or cities may need a return. We can review it with you.

What to keep track of

Bring what you have. We don't need a perfect file, just enough to see what came in and when.

• A photo ID and Social Security card
• Contracts or deal summaries, even if they're informal
• Payment records: W-2s, 1099s, payment-app summaries, bank deposits, and notes on merchandise, gift cards, or other non-cash compensation
• Notes on money you spent to earn that income, such as travel, agent fees, equipment, or boosts, if you kept those records
• Last year's return, if you've filed before
• Any school revenue-sharing or settlement paperwork, if you received it.
• Where you lived during the year (home and school), and where you did the work or appearances, so we can look at which states or cities may need a return

You can come in, drop documents off, or upload them through our Client Portal. If you're not sure whether something counts, just bring it and we can review it with you.

This is general information, not advice for your specific situation. Tax rules change. Call or text us if you're not sure what applies to you.