If you freelance or work gig jobs, you're probably used to gathering a handful of 1099 forms each spring. That part of tax season isn't going away, but starting in 2026, how those forms get issued will change. The new Federal Tax Bill (OBBBA) updates the reporting rules for businesses that pay freelancers and independent contractors, raising the threshold for when they must issue a Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. Here's what those changes mean, as well as what hasn't changed at all when it comes to reporting your income.

If you're a gig worker, freelancer, or have a side hustle, managing your taxes can be tricky. Unlike traditional employees, gig workers don't have automatic tax withholding from their income. That means you may face an unexpected tax bill or even penalties if you don't plan ahead. To avoid surprises at tax time, it's crucial to regularly review your tax situation, ideally before the end of the year.