Must a self-published author earning hobby income issue a 1099-MISC

Forum|Forum|11 months ago
April 8, 2025
1 reply
0 views

I am a self-published author, declaring hobby income because I have losses more than the 3-year out of 5 period. Thus, I am not filing as a business. I understand that if I pay via credit card or an online payment service, they could be subject to a 1099-K and I would not have to concern myself with this, but if I pay more than $600 via check, must I issue a 1099-MISC given I am not considered a business for IRS purposes?

Not A Product Question

Best answer by Vanessa A

Yes. As an individual, even engaged in a hobby, you do not have to issue a 1099 to people who do work for you.

Vanessa A

No. If you are not a business, you do not need to issue a 1099. A hobby is not a business. It is not treated as business income. It is treated as Ordinary income and not subject to self-employment taxes.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

brblyn58Author

After rereading my question, I realized I had inadvertently removed the part about my question being related to payment to an illustrator for their services. I presume the answer is still the same, however?