Your payout is not your take-home
Part of every deal may need to be set aside for income and self-employment taxes.
Tax and bookkeeping for NIL athletes
Keep more of what your name earns.
Track brand deals, collective payments, and appearance income, get answers on your first return, and prepare it with AI and tax professional review. All in one plan.
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$7,000+average client tax savings per year
40,000+tax returns prepared every year
Real accountantsbehind the guidance
50 statescovered by our tax team
Securetax and accounting infrastructure
NIL money is 1099 business income, and it is taxable whether it comes from a brand, a collective, or a paid appearance. Two things trip athletes up: multi-state rules, because a deal in one state and a home in another can each create a filing, and the fact that being a student or a dependent does not move the tax off your return. For most athletes this is a first return, and getting the pattern right early is worth an expert's time.
Platform Specific Guidance
Start with where you earn.
Each platform handles pay, fees, and tax documents differently. Pick yours for guidance shaped around the way you earn.
Don’t see your platform? You are still in the right place.
If you earn 1099 or other non-W-2 income, the same core tools can help you understand your forms, estimate taxes, and identify potential deductions.
NIL Tax Basics
When taxes are not taken out, you need a plan.
Every deal counts
NIL income may still need to be reported even if a brand or collective does not send a 1099.
Multiple states mean more records
Deals, appearances, and a home state can each create separate filings to track.
Quarterly payments may apply
Your overall tax situation may require estimated payments during the year.
From deal to tax time
You play the game.
We help with the tax side.
One plan for brand deals, collective payments, tax questions, and your first return.
Tap a step to see how it works.
Your NIL income, at a glance
This semesterBrand deals$4,800
Collective$2,500
Appearances$900
Recent records
Collective paymentNIL collective$2,500.00
Sneaker brand postBrand deal$1,200.00
Agent commissionWork expense$240.00
Ask a tax expert
Example conversationTax professional
You may need to file in the states where you earned the money as well as your home state. Keep a list of where each appearance happened, and we’ll sort out what applies to you.
Your tax return
Example preparationCollect your 1099s and deal records
AI prepares your return
A tax professional reviews it
Your NIL income, at a glance
This semesterBrand deals$4,800
Collective$2,500
Appearances$900
Recent records
Collective paymentNIL collective$2,500.00
Sneaker brand postBrand deal$1,200.00
Agent commissionWork expense$240.00
Ask a tax expert
Example conversationTax professional
You may need to file in the states where you earned the money as well as your home state. Keep a list of where each appearance happened, and we’ll sort out what applies to you.
Your tax return
Example preparationCollect your 1099s and deal records
AI prepares your return
A tax professional reviews it
You paid for it. Is it worth a closer look?
Everyday work costs.
Potential write-offs.
Tap a category. See what could be worth reviewing with a tax expert.
Agent fees
Paying an agent or rep a cut of your deals? Those fees may be worth reviewing.
Keep the agreement and the statements that show what was paid.
Event travel
Travel you pay for to reach paid appearances, camps, and signings may be worth reviewing.
Travel your team or school covered doesn’t count, since you didn’t pay for it.
Training & content
Costs you pay to produce sponsored content, and training tied directly to your NIL work, may be worth reviewing.
Training for your sport alone usually isn’t enough. It needs a clear link to the paid work.
Filing & compliance
Tax prep, NIL compliance help, and legal review of your contracts may be worth reviewing.
Keep invoices that tie each service to your NIL activity.
Editing software
Editing apps, design tools, and scheduling software for your sponsored posts may be worth reviewing.
Keep the billing history that shows what each subscription is for.
Content gear
Cameras, ring lights, mics, and other gear for paid content may be worth reviewing.
Only the business-use share may count, so keep a note of how you split personal and work use.
Real people for first-time filers
Expert help for student athletes
First NIL deal?
You don’t have to figure out taxes alone.
Get clear guidance on brand deals, collective payments, and your first tax return from a tax professional who understands NIL income.
- “Do I owe taxes on products a brand sent me?”
- “Can my parents still claim me if I have NIL income?”
- “I got paid for appearances in two states. Where do I file?”
Everything in one plan
One plan from
game day to tax day.
Tools to stay organized.
Real experts when you need them.
- AI tax return + tax pro review
- Bookkeeping software
- Brand deal & payment tracking
- Ask a tax expert
Also included: onboarding call + tax checkup, filing deadline reminders, and a complimentary tax extension request.
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Then $19.99/month
Get Started for FreeCancel before your trial ends and you won’t be charged.
NIL FAQs
Asked before every filing season.
I did deals in three states. Where do I file?
NIL income can create filing obligations in the states where you earned it, on top of your home state. Multi-state review is exactly what the experts are for.
Do I owe taxes if my school approved the deal?
School compliance and tax compliance are separate. Approved deals are still taxable 1099 income.
I’m a student, do I really need quarterly payments?
If you expect to owe enough tax, estimated payments may apply regardless of age or student status. A 15-minute expert call settles it.
NIL Articles
Tax tips for student athletes.
Plain-language guides on brand deals, collective payments, and filing for the first time.
NIL9 min read
Schedule C Deductions: The Complete List
Every Schedule C expense category for 1099 earners, with real examples, car and home office rules, what belongs on your 1040, and the records to keep.
NIL8 min read
Gig Worker Tax Guide
Learn how gig worker taxes work in 2026: which 1099 forms to expect, what you can deduct, quarterly deadlines, and how much to set aside from each payout.
Earn your way. Get support for what comes next.
See your personalized tax-savings estimate, then start a 15-day free trial. One simple plan after that: $19.99/month, cancel anytime.