Zelle’s tax reporting practices are different from others. Unlike PayPal, Venmo, and other comparable payment services, Zelle does not hold your money. With Zelle, the money is transferred directly from one user account to another. Because Zelle operates without holding your funds, the platform does not face the same tax reporting obligations as its counterparts.
That said, the law requires Zelle to report certain financial transactions of significant value. If funds exceeding $10,000 are received in a single transaction or through multiple transactions in a year, Zelle stands obligated to report the transaction details to the IRS.
As a part of its effort to aid the IRS in ensuring tax compliance, Zelle may also report potentially suspicious transactions, even when the amount is below the standard reporting threshold. This type of proactive reporting helps prevent instances of financial fraud and money laundering.
Understanding Financial Transactions and Tax Obligations
Although Zelle does not report all your transactions to the IRS, you need to be responsible for your own taxes. If you are using Zelle for business purposes, you must report the income yourself. After all, you will ultimately face potential problematic consequences for not responsibly addressing your tax obligations.
So, do not leave anything to chance. You should strive to thoroughly understand your tax obligations and adhere to fair taxation practices. By doing so, you can ensure that your financial affairs are in order. You won’t have to be bothered about potential legal issues.
What Are the Reporting Requirements for Banks and Other Financial Institutions?
As a part of the new IRS rule passed on January 1st, 2022, third-party payment processors are obligated to report payments exceeding $600 on the 1099 Form. Before this, the tax form was sent if the aggregate income crossed $20,000.
Zelle is not obligated to provide IRS reports when a user’s income on their platform surpasses just $600, as the $600 income reporting threshold does not apply to Zelle. As hinted earlier, Zelle is treated differently than other payment networks that handle a diverse array of financial activities.
It’s also important to know that the tax reporting threshold applies only to business transactions, not personal transactions conducted on such payment platforms. For instance, personal transactions not involving the exchange of goods or services do not attract tax liability.
However, one still needs to use the right type of account (personal or business account) and choose the appropriate payment category for each transaction to avoid confusion regarding the treatment of any payment for tax purposes.
What Are Your Responsibilities as a User of Zelle?
Zelle works along the lines of cash payment for sending money to trusted individuals like friends and family members to split or share costs related to family dinners, travel expenses, grocery shopping, gifts, subscriptions, etc.
You should not use Zelle for business purposes to evade taxes. In other words, the platform must be used for personal and not business purposes. Also, you must educate yourself about meeting your tax obligations while using the Zelle platform.
If you are deemed eligible to pay taxes on your Zelle transactions for the computing year, you will receive the 1099-K Form by early 2024. So, be aware of this. After all, the least desirable thing would be to come under the radar of the IRS.
How Can You Ensure Compliance with Tax Laws When Using Zelle?
Transact Wisely
If the money received through Zelle was for any form of work, pay applicable taxes on it. Furthermore, use the platform only for authorized transactions and avoid engaging in illegal activities.
Maintain Proper Records
For record-keeping and financial accountability, maintain proper records of all the transactions done on the platform, including the transaction date, amount, purpose, etc. This will help you fulfill your tax obligations without any fuss.
Keep an Eye on Large Transactions
Be vigilant if you expect to approach or cross the $10,000 threshold. If the transaction amount crosses the threshold, be prepared to meet your tax obligations. Zelle will send the tax form to you and the IRS.
Report Net Income
When you report Zelle’s transactions, you must deduct any fees charged by Zelle or your bank. In other words, report the net amount received in your bank account because the IRS only cares about your actual taxable earnings.
Are There Any Penalties for Not Reporting Income or Transactions to the IRS?
If the IRS determines that you have not reported your taxes, you may have to pay severe monetary penalties. The penalty amount can be anywhere between 5 to 25% of the unpaid monthly taxes.
Additionally, you may have to pay interest on the unpaid taxes. In extreme cases, you may also face criminal charges, leading to more fines and even imprisonment. Even underpaid taxes may have similar consequences.
Therefore, it’s critical to meet your tax obligations by accurately reporting your income and expenses. Even though there is no $600 reporting requirement on Zelle, payment received for any sort of income should be treated as taxable income to avoid issues with the IRS.
Tips for Keeping Track of Your Transactions on Zelle
- Use the Zelle platform only for peer-to-peer transactions and not for business dealings.
- Maintain a transaction record for the transactions done on their platform.
- To enhance record-keeping, use the ‘note’ section to add extra information about the transaction.
- Enable alerts on your Zelle transactions to receive notifications of all the transactions.
- Use a good accounting software app like QuickBooks, Zoho Books, etc., to streamline financial tracking.
Should You Consult a Tax Professional About Your Use of Zelle?
For complex financial scenarios related to Zelle, consulting a tax professional would be a wise step. A tax expert would be the right person to help you navigate through any concerns that you may have regarding financial matters. An expert’s advice will go a long way in helping you make informed decisions, enabling you to meet your tax obligations effectively.