Does the $600 1099-K threshold apply to Substack income?

Yes. For tax year 2026, the $600 threshold for 1099-K reporting by third-party payment processors is fully in effect. Stripe — which processes Substack subscription payments — is required to issue a Form 1099-K to any writer who receives $600 or more in gross payments during the calendar year, regardless of the number of transactions.

A critical distinction: the 1099-K reports gross receipts, not net income. The amount on the form includes the full subscription payments before Stripe's processing fees and Substack's platform fee are deducted. Writers must separately track those fees and deduct them as business expenses on Schedule C. Relying only on the 1099-K figure without adjusting for fees will result in overstating taxable income.

Substack writers should also maintain their own revenue records independently of the 1099-K. Income is taxable in the year received regardless of whether the $600 threshold is met and regardless of whether a 1099-K is issued. Writers who receive payments below the threshold, or who receive payments through multiple channels, need their own tracking to ensure complete reporting. IRS Publication 334 and the IRS's 1099-K guidance page provide additional context on how these forms interact with Schedule C reporting.

This is general tax information, not tax advice. Your situation may differ; consult a licensed CPA before making tax decisions.