Credit card companies will do almost anything to get you to sign up for their cards. Some offer travel miles and others use sign-up bonuses to entice customers. No doubt those incentives sound great and they may have tricked you into applying for a credit card or two. There are plenty of benefits to earning rewards. But there’s one downside that you’ll have to consider: Your credit card rewards may be taxable.
Which Credit Card Rewards Are Taxable?
The only rewards that have to be reported to the IRS are those that are considered income. Taxable credit card rewards include any bonuses or gifts you receive just for signing up for a card, including bonus travel rewards (especially if they can be reported as a monetary amount). But since assessing the value of airline miles can be tricky, credit card issuers often have to use discretion when deciding how to report taxable rewards to the federal government.
Generally, credit card issuers are required to report awards and prizes to the IRS when the value of those rewards is higher than $600. That means that if you received a $650 or $800 sign-up bonus, your credit card company will send you a 1099 form.
Which Credit Card Rewards Aren’t Taxable?
The points or miles you earn from making purchases with your rewards credit card are usually tax-free. According to the IRS, those rewards are considered discounts rather than income. Sign-up bonuses aren’t taxable either if you have to spend a certain amount of money in order to qualify for the reward.
If you’re not sure whether your credit card rewards are taxable, it’s best to review your credit card terms and conditions. If your paperwork doesn’t say that you need to report your rewards to the IRS and you don’t receive a 1099-MISC form, you probably won’t have to worry about mentioning your credit card rewards when you file taxes.
What To Do If You Get a 1099-MISC Form
If you receive a 1099 Form in the mail, it’s best to avoid chucking it into the trash. The IRS will get a copy of the form as well. So if you fail to report your taxable credit card rewards, you could get hit with a penalty.
When you’re ready to complete your income tax return, you’ll include your taxable rewards as you add up the total amount of income you’ve received for the year. If you need help preparing your tax return, you can meet with a tax accountant.
Earning Rewards for Business Purchases
Rewards from business credit cards are treated differently than rewards earned while using personal credit cards. Your rebates must be subtracted from the cost of the items you’ve purchased and reported. If you’re trying to get a tax break for your business expenses, your rebate reduces the amount of money you can deduct on your tax return.
If you’re reimbursed for business-related items you’ve purchased with your personal credit card, the money you receive from your boss won’t count as income. But the credit card rewards you earned through the transaction may need to be reported.
Related Article: Can You Invest With Credit Card Rewards?
Bottom Line
Not all credit card rewards are taxable. That’s why it’s important to know which ones are subject to taxation before filing your tax return. It’s best to thoroughly read over your credit card agreements to find out whether they indicate that your rewards may be taxed. And when in doubt, you can ask a tax professional for assistance.
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