Policies & IssuesFeb 01, 2022
OSHA Withdraws ‘Vaccine or Testing’ MandatePolicies & IssuesFeb 02, 2022
Jewelers Using Payment Apps Should Know This New Tax Rule
For tax year 2022, the IRS has substantially lowered the threshold for receiving a 1099-K for business transactions made via payment apps.
A new tax reporting rule requires payment app providers to issue a 1099-K if business transactions total more than $600 per year.
New York—Jewelers, designers and service providers using payment apps like Venmo or PayPal should make note of a recent change to a tax reporting rule.
A new IRS tax reporting rule, effective as of Jan. 1, requires payment app providers to issue users and the IRS a form 1099-K if the user’s business transactions total more than $600 per year.
Previously, payment app providers would need to send a 1099-K only if a user had more than 200 business transactions in a year that totaled at least $20,000.
A business transaction means any payment, including tips, for goods and services.
The rule applies to purchases made via a payment app both in store and online, like through Instagram, eBay, Etsy, or any other selling platform.
The rule does not apply to personal transactions, like splitting dinner with a friend or sending birthday money.
App users won’t pay any additional taxes for purchasing goods or services.
Related stories will be right here …
A new IRS tax reporting rule, effective as of Jan. 1, requires payment app providers to issue users and the IRS a form 1099-K if the user’s business transactions total more than $600 per year.
Previously, payment app providers would need to send a 1099-K only if a user had more than 200 business transactions in a year that totaled at least $20,000.
A business transaction means any payment, including tips, for goods and services.
The rule applies to purchases made via a payment app both in store and online, like through Instagram, eBay, Etsy, or any other selling platform.
The rule does not apply to personal transactions, like splitting dinner with a friend or sending birthday money.
App users won’t pay any additional taxes for purchasing goods or services.
The change was signed into law last year as part of the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed, in part, to provide COVID-19 relief, but it also amended parts of the Internal Revenue Code.
The law will apply to tax year 2022, so those eligible for these 1099-Ks will receive them starting in 2023.
The reporting requirement is new, but the tax isn’t.
For this year, individuals are still required to report taxable income received through these platforms on their income tax return.
“Third-party information reporting has been shown to increase voluntary tax compliance and improve collections and assessments within [the] IRS,” said the agency in the FAQ section of its website about the change.
Payment providers like Cash App, PayPal, and Venmo have added updated guidance to their websites.
Payment app Venmo allows users to tag goods and services purchases in its app.
Venmo customers may receive an in-app notification or an email about confirming information for tax purposes.
For example, PayPal and its subsidiary Venmo offer an option for customers to tag their transactions as either a personal one or as a goods and services purchase.
Users are encouraged to select “goods and services” when they are sending someone money to purchase an item. Doing so also makes these transactions eligible for coverage under PayPal and Venmo’s purchase protection program.
In its FAQ section, Venmo noted that customers may receive an in-app notification or email asking them to confirm information they use when filing taxes, like a social security number and address.
Venmo noted that some amounts may be excluded from gross income, and therefore not subject to income tax, like if a user sells a personal item at a loss.
“We encourage customers to speak with a tax professional when reviewing their 1099-K forms to determine whether specific amounts are classified as taxable income,” said Venmo in a statement on its website.
Notably, payments for a good or service made via Zelle, which sends money between U.S. bank accounts, are not subject to this reporting rule.
Zelle would not need to provide a 1099-K because while it facilitates the sending of money between financial institutions, it doesn’t hold that money or participate in settling the funds.
The change to the reporting rule follows the announcement of a plan from the U.S. Treasury to close the “tax gap,” meaning the difference between what the government is owed and what it receives in taxes.
The American Families Plan Tax Compliance agenda, announced in May 2021, aims to raise an additional $700 billion over the next decade through new tax compliance measures.
“These unpaid taxes come at a cost to American households and compliant taxpayers as policymakers choose rising deficits, lower spending on necessary priorities, or further tax increases to compensate for the lost revenue,” said the department in its plan.
The treasury found the tax gap was nearly $600 billion in 2019.
“Working to close the tax gap reflects a commitment to ending our two-tiered tax system, one where most American workers pay their full obligations, but high earners who accrue income from opaque sources often do not,” said the treasury.
For more information about changes to tax reporting rules and the 1099-K form, visit the IRS website.
Users are encouraged to select “goods and services” when they are sending someone money to purchase an item. Doing so also makes these transactions eligible for coverage under PayPal and Venmo’s purchase protection program.
In its FAQ section, Venmo noted that customers may receive an in-app notification or email asking them to confirm information they use when filing taxes, like a social security number and address.
Venmo noted that some amounts may be excluded from gross income, and therefore not subject to income tax, like if a user sells a personal item at a loss.
“We encourage customers to speak with a tax professional when reviewing their 1099-K forms to determine whether specific amounts are classified as taxable income,” said Venmo in a statement on its website.
Notably, payments for a good or service made via Zelle, which sends money between U.S. bank accounts, are not subject to this reporting rule.
Zelle would not need to provide a 1099-K because while it facilitates the sending of money between financial institutions, it doesn’t hold that money or participate in settling the funds.
The change to the reporting rule follows the announcement of a plan from the U.S. Treasury to close the “tax gap,” meaning the difference between what the government is owed and what it receives in taxes.
The American Families Plan Tax Compliance agenda, announced in May 2021, aims to raise an additional $700 billion over the next decade through new tax compliance measures.
“These unpaid taxes come at a cost to American households and compliant taxpayers as policymakers choose rising deficits, lower spending on necessary priorities, or further tax increases to compensate for the lost revenue,” said the department in its plan.
The treasury found the tax gap was nearly $600 billion in 2019.
“Working to close the tax gap reflects a commitment to ending our two-tiered tax system, one where most American workers pay their full obligations, but high earners who accrue income from opaque sources often do not,” said the treasury.
For more information about changes to tax reporting rules and the 1099-K form, visit the IRS website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsNov 13, 2026
Historic ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Achieves $4.9M at Sotheby’sThe 197-carat Russian Crown jewel was the leading lot of Sotheby's white-glove Royal & Noble Jewels sale this week.
CollectionsNov 13, 2026
Maison Marcelle’s Bracelet Flows Like FabricThe “Équation” bracelet, our Piece of the Week, was built via 24 gold modules assembled into a piece that feels like fabric on the wrist.
IndependentsNov 13, 2026
Texas Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsAlter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 13, 2026
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Unveil Second Jewelry Designer Award Finalists Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
AuctionsNov 12, 2026
24-Carat ‘Bulgari Pink’ Diamond Sells for $14.8MUnseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
