CPA here in the middle of tax season filing returns with 1099-K issues daily. Wanted to provide a definitive update on where the thresholds actually stand for the 2025 tax year that you are filing right now.
The IRS finalized the transitional threshold for 2025 at $2,500 (down from the $5,000 transitional threshold for 2024). This means payment platforms like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle (for business accounts) were required to issue 1099-Ks to anyone who received more than $2,500 in aggregate payments during 2025. The original $600 threshold from the American Rescue Plan Act is expected to take full effect for 2026.
For anyone who received a 1099-K and is filing their return: the IRS released updated Form 1040 Schedule 1 instructions specifically addressing personal item sales and reimbursements. If you received payments that are NOT income (roommate rent reimbursements, personal item sales at a loss, splitting bills with friends), report the 1099-K amount on Schedule 1, Part I, Line 8z with the description "Form 1099-K received, personal items sold at a loss" or similar. Then enter the same amount as a negative adjustment on Part II, Line 24z. This nets to zero and shows the IRS you accounted for the 1099-K without reporting phantom income.
One critical warning: if you sold personal items for MORE than you originally paid (for example, a collectible or limited-edition item), that gain IS taxable as a capital gain. Report it on Schedule D. The fact that it was a personal sale does not make the profit tax-free -- it only means losses on personal items are not deductible. Also, the April 15 filing deadline is firm this year with no extensions announced. If you need more time, file Form 4868 for an automatic 6-month extension, but remember that the extension is to file, not to pay. Estimated tax payments are still due April 15.