Venmo sent me a 1099-K for $8,000 - half of it is roommate rent payments. How do I handle this?

I just received a 1099-K from Venmo for $8,247 in payments received in 2025. I'm freaking out because I don't run a business and definitely didn't make $8k in income.

When I look at my Venmo history, about $4,800 of it is my roommate paying me her half of rent (I pay the landlord and she Venmos me). The rest is a mix of actual freelance income ($2,500), selling some used furniture ($800), and friends paying me back for concert tickets and dinners ($147).

Do I have to report all $8k as income? That would mean paying taxes on my roommate's rent money which makes no sense. How do I explain this to the IRS?

This is the new $600 1099-K threshold that everyone was panicking about. It got delayed for years but apparently it's finally here for 2025.

I'm in the same boat - got a 1099-K for reimbursements from friends. This is such a mess.

First, don't panic. A 1099-K is an information report - it tells the IRS you received money, but it doesn't determine what's taxable. You only pay tax on actual income, not reimbursements or non-taxable transfers.

Here's how to handle each category:

• Roommate rent ($4,800): Not taxable. This is a reimbursement, not income. You paid $X to the landlord, roommate paid you back for her share. Net effect is zero.
• Freelance income ($2,500): Taxable. Report this as self-employment income on Schedule C.
• Used furniture sales ($800): Probably not taxable if you sold at a loss (which most used furniture is). If you paid $2,000 for a couch and sold it for $800, no taxable income.
• Ticket/dinner reimbursements ($147): Not taxable. These are reimbursements for expenses you incurred on behalf of friends.

You'll need to reconcile the 1099-K on your tax return and show which portions are taxable vs. non-taxable.

How do I "reconcile" it? Do I need to attach a spreadsheet to my tax return explaining each transaction? That sounds like a nightmare.

Also, I was planning to just use TurboTax. Can it handle this or do I need to hire a CPA?

TurboTax can handle this if it's straightforward. When you enter the 1099-K, it should ask you if any of the amounts are non-taxable and allow you to categorize them.

You don't need to attach a detailed spreadsheet to your return, but you should keep records in case of an audit. Document:

• Lease agreement showing total rent
• Cancelled checks or bank statements showing you paid the landlord
• Venmo transaction descriptions showing "rent" or similar
• Receipts for the furniture you sold showing original purchase price

For the Schedule C freelance income, you'll report the $2,500 as income. The IRS will see the 1099-K for $8,247 and your Schedule C showing only $2,500, so you need to be prepared to explain the difference if asked. Most tax software has a line for "1099-K reconciliation."

This is exactly why everyone was saying to use Friends & Family for personal payments instead of Goods & Services. Venmo marks "Goods & Services" payments as business transactions and that's what triggers the 1099-K.

For 2026, make sure your roommate is sending rent money as "Friends & Family" or whatever Venmo calls their personal payment option.

I honestly don't even remember if she used Friends & Family or not. Venmo just shows "Jane paid you $400" every month. Is there a way to check retroactively?

Also, one more question - I had about $300 in freelance expenses (software subscriptions). Can I deduct those against the $2,500 income?

You might be able to see the transaction type in your Venmo transaction history. Look for labels like "payment" vs. "goods/services" or check if there was a fee charged (business transactions have fees, personal typically don't).

But honestly, it doesn't matter which option she used. What matters for tax purposes is the substance of the transaction. If it was genuinely a reimbursement for rent, it's not taxable income regardless of how Venmo categorized it.

Yes, you can deduct the $300 in business expenses against your $2,500 freelance income. Report it on Schedule C:

• Gross receipts: $2,500
• Expenses: $300
• Net profit: $2,200

You'll pay self-employment tax plus income tax on the $2,200. Keep those software subscription receipts.

Side note - if your freelance income is going to continue, you might want to set up a separate Venmo or PayPal account just for business. Keeps everything cleaner for taxes.

I made this mistake my first year freelancing - mixed personal and business on the same account and it was a nightmare to sort out.

Really helpful advice, everyone. I feel way less panicked now. My action plan:

1. Gather documentation: lease, rent payment receipts, furniture purchase receipts, business expense receipts
2. Use TurboTax and enter the 1099-K with proper categorization
3. Report $2,500 - $300 = $2,200 net freelance income on Schedule C
4. Keep all backup documentation in case of audit
5. For 2026: separate Venmo for business, make sure roommate uses Friends & Family

Thanks for saving me from a total meltdown. Tax season is stressful enough without these surprise 1099-Ks!