“According to IRS Publication 525, all income from ticket sales, whether reported on a 1099-K or not, must be included on your tax return.”
Ticketmaster 1099-K Tax Rules: What Sellers Need to Know for 2025
If you’ve sold tickets on Ticketmaster Resale or similar platforms, you may receive a 1099-K tax form. This form reports your earnings to the IRS and helps ensure that income from ticket sales is properly taxed. With recent changes to tax laws, it’s more important than ever to understand how the 1099-K works, how to get it, and what to do with it.
Key Takeaways
- You’ll receive a 1099-K from Ticketmaster if your sales exceed $600 in 2025.
- The form reports total payments before fees, expenses, or refunds.
- You must deduct allowable expenses to calculate taxable profit.
- The IRS gets a copy; your reported income should match.
- All sales must be reported, even without a 1099-K.
- Keep detailed records of purchases, sales, and expenses.
- Consult a tax professional if you’re unsure.
Who Receives a 1099-K from Ticketmaster?
Previously, a 1099-K was only issued if your sales exceeded $20,000 and 200 transactions in a year. However, under updated IRS rules, you’ll now receive a 1099-K if you earn $600 or more in total ticket sales in a calendar year—regardless of the number of transactions. This means more casual ticket resellers will need to report their income to the IRS.
You’ll receive a 1099-K from Ticketmaster if:
- Your gross sales exceed $600 in a single year.
- Ticketmaster processes payments for your resale transactions.
- You have provided your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).
If you meet these criteria, Ticketmaster is required to send you a 1099-K form by January 31 of the following year.
How to Get Your 1099-K from Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster will typically send the form via email, but you can also access it online:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account and go to the Seller Tax Details section.
- Download your 1099-K if one has been issued for you.
- Check your personal information (name, address, and TIN) to ensure accuracy.
If you don’t receive the form but believe you should, contact Ticketmaster customer support.
How to Report Your Ticketmaster 1099-K Correctly on Your Tax Return
When you receive a 1099-K form from Ticketmaster, it reports your gross sales amount – meaning the full payments you received, before any fees, expenses, or refunds are deducted.
The IRS also receives a copy of this form. You are responsible for calculating your net taxable income by subtracting your allowable expenses.
Avoid costly mistakes and IRS audits. Let a certified tax professional handle your Ticketmaster 1099-K reporting accurately and confidently.
Speak with a CPA TodayStep 1: Identify Your Allowable Deductions
If you resell tickets as part of a business or hobby, you may be able to deduct certain costs directly related to the sale:
- Original Ticket Purchase Price: the amount you originally paid for the tickets.
- Service and Transaction Fees: fees charged by Ticketmaster or other platforms during the purchase or sale.
- Shipping Costs: any costs incurred shipping physical tickets to buyers.
- Other Selling Expenses: including marketing fees, reseller platform costs, or credit card processing fees.
Tip: Only deduct expenses directly connected to your ticket resale activity. Personal expenses are not deductible.
Step 2: Keep Detailed Records
Maintain accurate records of every transaction, including:
- Purchase receipts
- Sale confirmations
- Platform fee statements
- Proof of shipping costs
Even if you do not receive a 1099-K (for example, if you sold below the reporting threshold), you are still legally required to report all ticket resale income on your tax return.
Step 3: Match Your Reported Income to IRS Records
Since the IRS receives your 1099-K directly from Ticketmaster, ensure that your reported gross income matches the amount shown on the form. If your deductions reduce your taxable profit, document them clearly in your records and report your net income accordingly on your return.
Final Thoughts
The new $600 threshold means more ticket resellers will receive a 1099-K than in previous years. Make sure you understand how to access your form, report your income, and claim deductions where applicable.
If you have questions about taxes on ticket resales, consulting a tax professional is always a smart move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1099-K Ticketmaster legit?
Yes. The 1099-K form issued by Ticketmaster is a legitimate tax reporting document. Ticketmaster is required by the IRS to report payments you receive for ticket sales if your sales exceed the IRS threshold for the year. The IRS receives a copy of your 1099-K as well.
Do I have to pay taxes if I sell tickets on Ticketmaster?
Yes, in most cases. You are required to report all income from ticket sales, even if you don’t receive a 1099-K. You only pay taxes on your net profit – which is your sales revenue minus your original ticket costs and any allowable expenses related to the sale.
Why do I have to get a 1099 for selling my concert tickets?
The IRS uses the 1099-K to track income from online sales platforms like Ticketmaster. If your sales exceed the reporting threshold, Ticketmaster must issue you a 1099-K so the IRS can verify that income is properly reported on your tax return.
Does a 1099-K mean I owe taxes?
Not necessarily. The 1099-K reports your total payments received, but you only owe taxes on your profit – the amount left after subtracting your ticket purchase price and qualified expenses. Accurate recordkeeping is essential to calculate your taxable profit correctly.
Can I ignore 1099-K?
No. Ignoring a 1099-K can lead to serious tax problems. Since the IRS receives a copy of your 1099-K, any unreported income may trigger audits, penalties, or interest. It’s important to include the form’s reported income on your return and accurately deduct any allowable expenses.