Upwork 1099: How to Get It & What You Need to Know

Upwork 1099

If you’re a freelancer using Upwork, understanding the 1099 form is essential for tax season. The 1099 is a tax document used to report income earned as an independent contractor, and Upwork is no exception. Here’s what you need to know about receiving your 1099 from Upwork and how to handle it for your tax filing.

What Is a 1099 Form on Upwork?

The 1099 form is a tax document used to report income earned outside of a traditional employee-employer relationship. Freelancers on Upwork who earn $600 or more in a calendar year from clients are eligible to receive a 1099 form. This form reports the total amount of money paid to you by Upwork clients, and it is important for filing your taxes as an independent contractor.

For Upwork freelancers, this form is the 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation). The 1099-NEC is issued by Upwork to report the payments made to you for services rendered, and it’s a key piece in determining your taxable income.

How to Get Your 1099 from Upwork

1. Ensure You Meet the Earnings Threshold: Upwork will issue a 1099-NEC if you earn $600 or more in a given tax year from clients on the platform. If you don’t reach that threshold, Upwork is not required to send you a 1099 form. However, you are still responsible for reporting the income on your taxes, even if you don’t receive the form.
2. Check Your Payment History: Before you expect your 1099 form, it’s important to track your earnings on Upwork. You can check your payment history directly from your Upwork account to ensure that you’ve met the $600 threshold. This is helpful to confirm that you will be receiving a 1099, and you’ll have a better idea of when to expect it.
3. Upwork’s Tax Reports: Upwork provides users with a Tax Information Center, where you can access tax-related documents, including your 1099 forms. These documents are typically made available by the end of January each year. You’ll receive a notification from Upwork when your 1099-NEC form is ready, and you can download it directly from your account.
4. Ensure Your Tax Information Is Updated: In order to receive your 1099 form, make sure that your tax information is updated in your Upwork account. This includes providing your correct name, address, and tax identification number (TIN). If Upwork doesn’t have the necessary information, it could delay the issuance of your 1099.

What to Do if You Don’t Receive a 1099 from Upwork

If you earn $600 or more through Upwork but don’t receive a 1099-NEC form, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Check Your Earnings and Tax Information: Double-check your earnings to ensure that you meet the $600 threshold. Also, review your Upwork account to confirm that your tax information is accurate and complete.
2. Contact Upwork Support: If everything seems in order but you still haven’t received your 1099 form by the end of January, contact Upwork’s support team for assistance. They can help clarify the situation and ensure that the form is issued.
3. Report the Income Anyway: Even if you don’t receive a 1099, you’re still required to report all income earned on Upwork when you file your taxes. Keep a record of your payments and be sure to include that income on your tax return.