How to File Fiverr Taxes: Walkthrough & Examples

Freelancing on Fiverr offers freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with financial responsibilities that W-2 employees don't have to deal with. When tax season arrives, many Fiverr sellers wonder how to report their income correctly, what deductions they can claim, and which forms they need to file. Whether you design logos, write copy, or provide consulting gigs, your Fiverr earnings count as taxable income, and it’s essential to file correctly to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Key Highlights

• Fiverr freelancers are considered self-employed and must report all income, even if no 1099 form is issued.

• You’ll likely owe income tax and self-employment tax on your earnings.

• Keep detailed records of Fiverr payouts, fees, and expenses for accurate reporting.

• Understand and pay quarterly estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more during the year.

• Take advantage of deductions for business expenses like software, home office costs, and internet use.

• Filing correctly reduces stress and helps you stay on top of your freelance finances.

What “Filing Taxes on Fiverr” Means for You

When you earn money through Fiverr by doing gigs, you’re operating as an independent contractor, not an employee. This means Fiverr doesn’t withhold taxes on your behalf — you’re responsible for tracking and reporting your own income.

You must report all income you earn from Fiverr, even if you don’t receive a tax form. Income earned through platforms like Fiverr, Uber, or Etsy must be included on your tax return.

Failing to report this income could result in penalties or an audit. Filing accurately also helps you claim business deductions and reduce your taxable income while maintaining compliance.

Step 1: Track Your Fiverr Income and Documentation

Download Your Earnings Statement from Fiverr

Fiverr provides a downloadable earnings summary that helps you report accurate income. Go to My Business → Earnings → Financial Documents in your Fiverr account to access and export your statement. This document summarizes your total payouts, platform fees, and payment dates, which is key information for your records.

What Forms You Might Receive (or Not)

Fiverr freelancers may receive:

• IRS Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation (if you earned over $600 from U.S. clients)

• IRS Form 1099-K (if your transactions exceed IRS reporting thresholds — $20,000 and 200 transactions starting in 2025 per the One Big Beautiful Bill Act)

Even if you don’t receive a form, the IRS still requires you to report your total Fiverr income.

Record-Keeping Essentials

It's essential to keep documentation of:

• Fiverr payout reports

• Platform and service fees

• Business expenses (software, equipment, marketing)

Use a spreadsheet or bookkeeping tool to organize your income and expenses by date. Consistent record-keeping not only supports your tax return but also simplifies year-end filing.

Step 2: Understand Your Tax Obligations as a Fiverr Freelancer

When Are You Required to File?

You must file a tax return if your net self-employment income is $400 or more during the year. The IRS guidance for gig workers states that this rule applies even if freelancing is a side hustle.

What Taxes Apply: Income Tax + Self-Employment Tax

Fiverr freelancer taxes include:

• Income tax – based on your tax bracket.

• Self-employment tax (15.3%) – which covers Social Security and Medicare.

Since you’re both employer and employee, you pay both portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Estimated Tax Payments – When and How

Because Fiverr doesn’t withhold taxes, you’ll likely need to make quarterly estimated payments throughout the year to fulfill your obligations. Typical due dates are:

• April 15

• June 15

• September 15

• January 15 (of the following year)

If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it is moved to the next business day. 

Step 3: Determining Business Structure and Reporting

Are You a Sole Proprietor, LLC, or Other?

Most Fiverr freelancers operate as sole proprietors by default. You can also choose to form an LLC for liability protection or potential tax benefits, demonstrating how classification can impact your operations.  

Forms You’ll Use When You File

• Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss from Business (Sole Proprietorship) – reports profit or loss from your freelance business.

• Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax – calculates your self-employment tax.

• You may also reference 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms for income verification.

What If You Formed an LLC or S Corp?

If you’ve formed an LLC or elected S corporation status, your Fiverr tax filing process changes. You may file additional forms (such as IRS Form 1120SForm 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation) and handle payroll differently.

A professional tax advisor can help ensure compliance.

Step 4: Deductible Expenses for Fiverr Freelancers

Fiverr freelancers can reduce taxable income by deducting ordinary and necessary business expenses. These deductions will lower your tax bill.

Common Fiverr Tax Deductions

• Fiverr platform and transaction fees

• Home office expenses (if you have a dedicated workspace)

• Software and equipment (computers, design tools, editing apps)

• Marketing or advertising (including a personal website)

• Phone and internet costs (portion used for business)

• Health insurance premiums (if self-employed)

Example: If you paid $200 in Fiverr fees and $1,000 for design software, those expenses reduce your taxable income by $1,200 — provided you keep receipts and documentation.

For more guidance, review our post on 8 Tax Tips for Freelancers and Independent Contractors.

Step 5: Filing Your Return (Walkthrough Example)

Example Scenario

Meet Sarah, a graphic designer who earned $30,000 on Fiverr in 2025 and had $5,000 in expenses.

• Gross income: $30,000

• Expenses: $5,000

• Net income: $25,000

Report gross income by subtracting expenses → net profit → compute self-employment tax + income tax.

H3: How to enter the figures

Sarah would report $30,000 in revenue on Schedule C, list her deductions, and calculate a net profit of $25,000.

Then, she’d use Schedule SE to calculate self-employment tax (about $3,825, or 15.3% of $25,000). Half of this amount ($1,912.50) is deductible on her IRS Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Paying State Taxes (if applicable)

Each state has its own tax regulations and rules. Some may require separate filings or estimated payments. Check your state’s tax agency website for details.

Step 6: Paying What You Owe and Staying Compliant

Estimate How Much to Save

A good rule of thumb: save 25% – 30% of your net income for taxes. This ensures you’re prepared for both income and self-employed taxes Fiverr income throughout the year.

How to Pay Estimated Taxes

You can pay quarterly taxes online through IRS Direct Pay or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Always mark calendar reminders for quarterly deadlines.

If You Haven’t Filed Yet or are Behind

If you missed a filing deadline or owe back taxes, don’t panic. File as soon as possible to minimize penalties. Consider working with a professional who can help you set up a payment plan or file past returns.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Recent IRS updates also mean greater scrutiny for taxes for gig workers on Fiverr, so accurate reporting is more critical than ever. You should avoid: 

• Failing to report income

• Ignoring self-employment tax

• Missing quarterly payments

• Overlooking Fiverr income tax deductions

• Poor recordkeeping

FAQs for Fiverr Freelancers

Do I need to file taxes if I earned less than $400 on Fiverr?

If your net self-employment income is below $400, you’re not required to file for self-employment tax, but you may still need to report other income.

What if I don’t receive a 1099 from Fiverr?

You still must report all income, even if you didn't receive a 1099 from Fiverr. The IRS requires it, even if Fiverr doesn’t send you a form.

Can I deduct Fiverr service fees?

Yes, Fiverr fees are considered deductible business expenses.

What if I use Fiverr as a side hustle in addition to a W-2 job?

If you have a side hustle and traditional employment, you’ll still file your Fiverr earnings separately as self-employment income.

How do I handle refunds or disputes on Fiverr when filing?

You are responsible for service-related chargebacks. However, Fiverr's Trust and Safety team will review the issue and help resolve it in your favor if they determine the service was satisfactorily provided.

Should I hire a tax professional, or can I DIY?

If your income is simple, you can file on your own. But if you work on multiple platforms or have complex deductions, a professional can ensure accuracy and maximize savings.

When to Get Professional Help

If you have different income streams, have formed an LLC, appeared on multiple platforms, or work with international clients, it’s wise to consult a tax expert. 1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm, specializes in helping freelancers, small-business owners, and independent contractors stay compliant and maximize deductions throughout the tax year.

Our Income Tax Services cover everything from bookkeeping to quarterly filings — so you can focus on your business while we handle the paperwork.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Managing Fiverr taxes doesn’t have to be stressful. By tracking your income, saving for estimated taxes, claiming eligible deductions, and filing on time, you can stay compliant and confident.

Take the next step today — set up folders for receipts, log your Fiverr earnings, or book a free 30-minute consultation with 1-800Accountant today. Proactive planning now can save you time and money later.