Reporting requirements for Venmo users For tax year 2024, payment apps like Venmo are mandated to issue a Form 1099-K for users who receive more than $5,000 in payments for goods or services within a single tax year.
“U.S.-source compensation payments made by a U.S. business to a non-U.S. individual who is an independent contractor and who is not treated as a U.S. tax resident for the taxable year will generally be subject to 30% gross withholding.”
Independent contractors and freelancers might find it attractive to use the app for its convenience in taking payments, especially on the go. However, Venmo may not be the best option. Using Venmo can come with risks, including potential violations of Venmo's terms of service.
While this opens doors to diverse talent and skill sets, it also introduces unique challenges in terms of tax compliance. One critical aspect of this compliance involves Form 1099, which US-based businesses may need to issue to foreign contractors for reporting payments made during the tax year.
All persons ('withholding agents') making US-source fixed, determinable, annual, or periodical (FDAP) payments to foreign persons generally must report and withhold 30% of the gross US-source FDAP payments, such as dividends, interest, royalties, etc.
Payments to a foreign corporation in exchange for personal services performed in the US by either a US citizen or alien is considered to be US-sourced income and is usually subject to withholding. (Can be wages or self-employment income.)
Exemption from withholding To qualify for this exempt status, the employee must have had no tax liability for the previous year and must expect to have no tax liability for the current year. A Form W-4 claiming exemption from withholding is valid for only the calendar year in which it's furnished to the employer.
This is a key point in understanding how can a US company hire a foreign independent contractor. As long as the contractor complies with the tax and legal requirements of their home country and the U.S., they can provide services to a U.S. company without being considered an employee.