How to Get Your Amazon Seller 1099 Form
Amazon sellers can easily find their tax forms and sales information for accurate income reporting.
Managing tax obligations is an important part of operating an Amazon seller business. The Form 1099-K reports payment card and third-party network transactions. Understanding how to obtain this form, or alternative sales data, is essential for accurate income reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This guide clarifies the process for Amazon sellers to navigate their tax responsibilities.
Understanding 1099-K Eligibility
The IRS sets criteria for when third-party payment networks, like Amazon, must issue a Form 1099-K. For the 2024 tax year, a 1099-K will be issued if a seller’s gross payments from transactions exceed $5,000, with no minimum transaction count. This threshold is part of a phased implementation, with the threshold expected to be $2,500 for 2025 and $600 for 2026 and beyond. Prior to 2024, the federal threshold was significantly higher, requiring both gross payments exceeding $20,000 and over 200 transactions.
Amazon, as a Payment Settlement Entity (PSE), is required to report these transactions to the IRS for sellers who meet the reporting thresholds. The Form 1099-K reports gross sales, meaning the total amount received before any fees or deductions are applied. This gross amount is not your net profit, and sellers must account for their business expenses separately to determine their taxable income. Even if a seller does not meet the federal thresholds, some states have lower reporting requirements, which might still trigger the issuance of a 1099-K.
Accessing Your Amazon Tax Documents
To retrieve your Form 1099-K from Amazon, log in to your Amazon Seller Central account. Navigate to the “Reports” section, then select the “Tax Document Library.” This library serves as a centralized hub for all tax documents issued by Amazon.
Within the Tax Document Library, you will find tax documents organized by type and year. Locate the Form 1099-K for the specific tax year you need. Download the document for your records or tax preparer. Ensure you select the correct tax year, as documents for previous years are available.
Obtaining Sales Information Without a 1099-K
Even if your Amazon sales do not meet federal or state thresholds for receiving a Form 1099-K, you must still report all earned income for tax purposes. All income is taxable unless specifically excluded by law, regardless of whether a 1099-K is issued. Failing to report earned income can result in IRS penalties and interest.
Amazon Seller Central offers several reports that can help you calculate your gross income for tax reporting. The “Date Range Reports” found under the “Reports” or “Payments” tabs are particularly useful. You can generate these reports for specific periods, such as a full calendar year, to capture all your sales data. “Payments Reports” also provide detailed financial breakdowns, including transactions, fees, and settlements. While tracking expenses is important for determining net profit, the focus for income reporting without a 1099-K is to accurately total your gross sales using these reports.
Resolving Common Issues
Sellers may encounter issues obtaining tax documents from Amazon. If you believe you should have received a 1099-K but cannot find it, verify your tax information, such as your W-9 form, is updated in Seller Central. Incorrect or outdated tax details can prevent form issuance.
Navigating the Seller Central interface can sometimes be challenging. If you have difficulty locating the Tax Document Library or specific reports, try clearing your browser’s cache or using an incognito window to resolve display issues. If you identify discrepancies or believe the information on your 1099-K is inaccurate, first try to reconcile it using your sales reports from Seller Central.
For persistent issues or complex tax inquiries, contact Amazon Seller Support for assistance. They can offer specific guidance for your account. It is also prudent to consult with a qualified tax professional for personalized tax advice, especially for intricate tax situations or significant discrepancies.