📋 Taxes & Legal
Important information about tax obligations and legal considerations for Juice earnings.
Overview
Juice earnings are taxable income. This guide provides general information, but consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Tax Obligations
In the United States
Juice earnings are considered self-employment income:
- Report as income on your tax return
- May be subject to self-employment tax
- Required to track and report all earnings
International
Tax obligations vary by country:
- Research your local tax laws
- Consider consulting a local tax professional
- Income may be subject to multiple jurisdictions
Tax Forms & Stripe
Citrus uses Stripe Connect for payment processing. Tax documents are provided directly by Stripe—not by Citrus.
How It Works
- When you complete Stripe onboarding in your Citrus dashboard, you create a connected Stripe account
- Stripe collects your tax information (W-9 for US users) during onboarding
- If you meet IRS filing thresholds, Stripe generates and delivers your 1099 form
- You access your tax documents through Stripe Express Dashboard
Accessing Your Tax Forms
To view and download your 1099:
- Look for an email from Stripe with subject line "Your Citrus 1099 tax form is ready"
- Click the link in the email to access the Stripe Express Dashboard
- Navigate to the Tax forms section
- Download your 1099 form
Note
You must agree to paperless (e-delivery) consent to download forms electronically. If you did not consent to e-delivery, Stripe may mail a paper copy to the address on file.
1099 Form Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Form Type | 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation) |
| Threshold | $600+ in earnings during the calendar year |
| Issued By | Stripe (not Citrus) |
| Delivery | Electronic via Stripe Express Dashboard and/or postal mail |
| Timeline | Forms available by January 31 for the previous tax year |
Updating Your Tax Information
If you need to update your tax information (name, address, TIN):
- Log into the Stripe Express Dashboard
- Update your information in the Tax forms section
- If you change your name or TIN, you may need to re-verify and sign updated terms
Important
Downloads are unavailable for 24 hours after updating personal identity information including name, address, business type, or TIN.
What If I Don't Receive a 1099?
If you earned $600+ but haven't received your form by mid-February:
- Check your email (including spam) for Stripe communications
- Log into the Stripe Express Dashboard directly
- Verify your email address is correct in your Stripe account
- Contact Citrus support if you're unable to access your Stripe account
Even if you don't receive a 1099, you are still required to report all income to the IRS.
Record Keeping
What to Track
- Total Juice earned
- Payout amounts and dates
- Business expenses (if applicable)
- Transaction history from your Citrus dashboard
How Long to Keep Records
- IRS recommends 3-7 years
- Keep digital copies
- Export transaction history regularly from your Citrus dashboard
Business Considerations
Sole Proprietor vs. LLC
Consider your structure:
- Sole Proprietor: Simplest, default status
- LLC: Potential liability protection
- Corporation: For larger operations
Consult a business attorney or accountant.
Deductions
Potential deductions (consult a tax professional):
- Equipment (camera, mic, computer)
- Internet costs (partial)
- Software subscriptions
- Home office (if applicable)
- Other business expenses
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes:
- Make quarterly estimated payments
- Due dates: April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15
- Use IRS Form 1040-ES
International Considerations
Tax Treaties
- The US has tax treaties with many countries
- May reduce withholding requirements
- Complete W-8BEN form if applicable (provided during Stripe onboarding)
Local Reporting
- Report income according to local laws
- Currency conversion at time of payment
- Keep records in your local currency
Important Documents
| Document | Purpose | Source |
|---|---|---|
| W-9 | US tax identification | Completed during Stripe onboarding |
| W-8BEN | Foreign tax identification | Completed during Stripe onboarding |
| 1099-NEC | Annual earnings report | Provided by Stripe |
| Transaction History | Your records | Citrus dashboard |
Common Questions
Do I Pay Taxes on All Juice?
Yes, report all earnings:
- Even if below 1099 threshold
- Include in total income
- Track from first dollar
What If I Don't Reach $50 Payout?
Still taxable:
- Income is earned when received (Juice credited)
- Track even if not paid out
- Report appropriately
Can I Offset Losses?
Potentially:
- Business expenses may offset income
- Must be legitimate business expenses
- Consult a tax professional
Legal Agreements
By using Citrus for monetization, you agree to:
- Terms of Service
- Privacy Policy
- Stripe's Connected Account Agreement (accepted during onboarding)
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information only:
- Not tax or legal advice
- Not a substitute for professional guidance
- Laws vary by jurisdiction
- Consult qualified professionals
Citrus is not responsible for your tax compliance. You are solely responsible for meeting your tax obligations.
Resources
US Resources
Stripe Resources
Getting Help
- Tax Professional: CPA or enrolled agent
- Tax Software: TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.
- IRS Helpline: 1-800-829-1040
- Stripe Support: For issues accessing your Stripe account
FAQ
Q: When is the 1099 available? A: Stripe makes 1099 forms available by January 31 for the previous calendar year. You'll receive an email when your form is ready.
Q: Why does my 1099 come from Stripe instead of Citrus? A: Citrus uses Stripe Connect for payment processing. Stripe handles tax reporting for all connected accounts as part of their platform services.
Q: What if I can't access my Stripe Express Dashboard? A: Check your email for the original Stripe invitation link, or contact Citrus support to help you regain access to your connected Stripe account.
Q: Is Juice considered a gift? A: No, it's payment for services (entertainment).
Q: Do viewers get taxed? A: Juice purchases are like any online purchase; viewers may pay sales tax depending on location.
Q: Can I donate Juice earnings to charity? A: You can donate money from payouts; consult a tax professional for deduction rules.