Protect your tax identity with an IRS IP PIN

We strongly recommend that all taxpayers get an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to help prevent tax-related identity theft.

Why is an IP PIN important?

This six-digit code helps stop someone from filing a fraudulent federal return using your SSN or ITIN. It adds identity verification to both electronic and paper returns.

Do I need to be an identity-theft victim first?

No. Eligible taxpayers can enroll proactively, and parents or guardians can request one for dependents.

Can I get an IP PIN for my dependents?

Yes. Parents and legal guardians can request an IRS IP PIN for dependents too. This helps protect a child’s tax identity and prevent unauthorized claims, including by a noncustodial parent who is not entitled to claim the child. Once a dependent has an IP PIN, it must be included on a federal return claiming that dependent; a missing or incorrect PIN can cause an e-file rejection or paper-return processing delays.

An IP PIN does not determine which parent is legally entitled to claim a child or change the tax rules for separated parents. A noncustodial parent may qualify under those rules. Review the claim with your tax professional.

Dependents under age 18 must use one of the IRS alternative enrollment options described at the link below.

Does my PIN stay the same?

No. A new PIN is generated each calendar year. Use your current PIN for federal returns filed that year, including prior-year returns.

How should I share it with my preparer?

Provide it only to your trusted tax professional when ready to sign and submit, using the secure method we provide. Do not put it in our visitor contact form. A missing or incorrect PIN can reject an e-file or delay a paper return.

Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN →

Do I report cash and platform income without a tax form?

Keep records of business payments, including cash, tips, and payments through platforms or apps. Taxable income must be reported even when you do not receive an information form.

Self-employed individuals generally use Schedule C to report business income and expenses. A federal return is generally required when net earnings from self-employment reach $400. Other filing requirements can apply below that amount.

IRS: Self-employed individuals tax center →

2026 Form 1099-NEC reporting threshold

For payments made in 2026, the general federal Form 1099-NEC reporting threshold is $2,000 per recipient for the year, up from $600 for 2025 payments. This changes the payer’s information-reporting obligation, not whether the recipient’s income is taxable. Report taxable business income even without a 1099. Backup withholding can require reporting regardless of amount.

Read the full 2026 Form 1099-NEC update →

Understanding Form 1099-K

For third-party payment networks, the federal reporting threshold is more than $20,000 in payments and more than 200 transactions. Payment card reporting follows different rules, and a form may be issued below the third-party threshold. The threshold does not determine whether your income is taxable.

Compare forms with platform statements and your records. Gross payments may differ from the amount deposited after fees or refunds. Avoid counting the same income twice when forms overlap. If a form is incorrect, contact the issuer and keep documentation.

IRS: Understanding your Form 1099-K →

Business expenses and deductions

Recording a cost does not automatically make it a tax deduction. Review business purpose, personal use, and any special tax rules with your preparer.

Download workbook: income, expenses, P&L, and home office →

Track monthly income and business expenses with categories tailored to sex workers and adult industry professionals.

A deductible business expense generally must be ordinary and necessary for your work. Keep records showing the amount, date, and business purpose.

Advertising, platform fees, business software, and professional services may qualify, depending on the facts. Equipment may need different tax treatment. Mixed personal and business expenses must be allocated; personal costs are not automatically deductible because they support your appearance or lifestyle.

Ask us before treating grooming, clothing, home-office costs, or travel as deductions. The specific rules matter.

IRS: Tax Guide for Small Business → · IRS: Income and expenses →

Planning for estimated taxes

When taxes are not withheld from your income, you may need estimated payments during the year. Individuals generally need them if they expect to owe at least $1,000 after withholding and credits, subject to applicable exceptions and payment rules.

Estimated payments can cover income tax and self-employment tax. Review your projection when earnings change; setting aside a fixed percentage alone does not establish the correct payment. A W-2 job’s withholding can also affect what you need to pay.

IRS: Estimated taxes and current payment dates →

What business records should I keep?

Choose a system that clearly records income and expenses. Retain platform statements, receipts, invoices, bank records, mileage logs, and supporting business-use details.

Track cash receipts as they occur, reconcile platform activity, and separate personal and business spending in your records. Keep support for deductions and copies of filed returns. Retention periods vary by document and circumstance; ask us before discarding records.

IRS: What records should I keep? →

Behind on filing or received a notice?

Contact us with the tax years involved and a brief description of the issue. We can help organize your records, prepare prior-year returns, and review notices. A notice’s response date matters, so do not leave it unread.

Send notice copies through the secure method we provide. Payment options and any penalty relief depend on your circumstances; they are not automatic or guaranteed.