IRS Publication 5731-B Spanish – In today’s gig economy and online marketplaces, many people earn extra income by selling goods or providing services. If you’re one of them and receive payments electronically, you might encounter IRS Form 1099-K. The IRS has released Publication 5731-B in Spanish to help Spanish-speaking taxpayers navigate these tax obligations. This guide, titled “¿Gana dinero mediante la venta de artículos por brindar un servicio?” (Are you making money selling things or providing a service?), explains key concepts like taxable income, reporting requirements, and how to handle Form 1099-K. Whether you’re a freelancer, online seller, or side hustler, this publication ensures you stay compliant with U.S. tax laws.
Released in its latest revision in November 2025, this Spanish-version document is essential for anyone earning money through platforms like payment apps or online marketplaces. You can download the PDF directly from the official IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5731bsp.pdf.
What Is IRS Publication 5731-B Spanish?
IRS Publication 5731-B is a concise guide designed to clarify tax implications for individuals earning income from sales or services. The Spanish edition, Publication 5731-B (SP), translates the English version to make it accessible to non-English speakers. It focuses on electronic payments and Form 1099-K, which reports gross payments received through third-party networks.
The publication emphasizes that if you receive electronic payments for selling items (like clothing, furniture, or handmade goods) or providing services (such as freelancing or ridesharing), you may get a Form 1099-K. This form informs both you and the IRS about the total payments processed. Importantly, it’s not just about the form— all profitable income must be reported on your tax return, regardless of whether you receive a 1099-K.
Key updates in the 2025 revision include details on thresholds for reporting and what to do if your Form 1099-K contains errors. For more on corrections, visit irs.gov/1099K.
Who Should Read This Publication?
This guide is particularly useful for:
- Online Sellers: People using platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon to sell goods.
- Gig Workers: Freelancers on apps like Upwork, Uber, or DoorDash.
- Side Hustlers: Anyone making extra cash through payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Stripe.
- Small Business Owners: Those operating informal businesses with electronic transactions.
If your total payments exceed certain thresholds, third-party payment processors are required to issue a Form 1099-K. For payment apps and online marketplaces, this kicks in for over $20,000 in payments across more than 200 transactions in a year. However, direct credit or debit card payments trigger a 1099-K regardless of amount.
Even if you don’t hit these thresholds, remember: All income from profits is taxable unless specifically exempted by law.
Understanding Form 1099-K in the Context of Publication 5731-B
Form 1099-K is a reporting tool for electronic transactions. It reports gross proceeds—not your net profit. The publication explains how to use this form alongside your records to calculate taxable income.
For example:
- If you sell personal items at a loss (e.g., used clothing for less than you paid), it’s generally not taxable.
- But if you sell for profit or run a business-like operation, the profit is income.
The guide stresses keeping detailed records, such as receipts for costs, shipping, and fees, to determine your actual profit. This helps differentiate between hobby sales (often non-taxable if no profit intent) and business activities.
Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Income: Key Insights from the Guide
Publication 5731-B breaks down what’s taxable:
- Taxable: Profits from selling goods or providing services, including gig work, online sales, and side jobs. This includes any gain on personal items sold above your cost basis.
- Non-Taxable: Sales of personal items at a loss, reimbursements from friends/family (e.g., splitting a bill), or gifts. However, if payments are misclassified, you may need to correct them.
The document reminds readers that even without a 1099-K, you must report all income. Use Schedule C (Form 1040) for business profits if you’re a sole proprietor.
| Category | Taxable Examples | Non-Taxable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sales | Profit from reselling clothes bought at a discount | Selling old furniture for less than original cost |
| Services | Freelance graphic design paid via PayPal | Reimbursing a friend for shared groceries |
| Thresholds | Over $20,000/200 transactions via apps | Below thresholds, but still report profits |
How to Report Your Income Using IRS Guidelines
Follow these steps outlined in the publication:
- Gather Records: Collect 1099-K forms, bank statements, and expense receipts.
- Calculate Profit: Subtract costs (e.g., purchase price, fees) from gross payments.
- File Appropriately: Report on your federal tax return. For businesses, use Schedule C to deduct expenses.
- Pay Estimated Taxes: If self-employed, make quarterly payments to avoid penalties.
For eBay sellers specifically, the 1099-K includes total gross payments and fees, helping you report accurately.
Record-Keeping Tips for Compliance
The IRS recommends:
- Tracking cost basis for sold items.
- Documenting all expenses related to your activity.
- Separating business and personal accounts.
Good records make tax time easier and help if you’re audited. Tools like accounting software can simplify this for online sellers.
Additional Resources and Where to Download
For more details, refer to related IRS publications:
- Publication 5951: IRS Form 1099-K Myths vs. Facts.
- Visit irs.gov/1099K for FAQs.
Download the Spanish version here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5731bsp.pdf. The English counterpart is available at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5731b.pdf.
Staying informed with IRS Publication 5731-B Spanish can help you avoid surprises during tax season. If your situation is complex, consult a tax professional to ensure accurate reporting. By understanding these rules, you can focus on growing your income while remaining compliant.