As a podcaster, it's your responsibility to stay informed about and comply with your country's tax laws.
The United States does not have a national Value-Added Tax (VAT).
If a podcaster in the U.S is invoicing Acast for ad revenue, their tax obligations will generally fall under income tax and potentially self-employment tax, rather than sales tax.
How Tax Works for Podcasters in the U.S.
Income Tax
The money you earn from podcast ads is taxable income.
You report it on your tax return as business income (whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or freelancer).
If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS.
Self-Employment Tax
As an independent contractor, you'll owe 15.3% self-employment tax (covers Social Security & Medicare).
This applies if you earn more than $400 annually from self-employed work.
More details: Self-Employment Tax Guide.
Sales Tax (Usually Not Applicable)
Sales tax applies to physical goods and some digital services, but most advertising services are tax-free in the U.S.
Some states tax digital advertising—check local rules with your state’s tax agency.
Form 1099-NEC or 1099-K
If a media agency pays you over $600 in a year, they may send you a Form 1099-NEC.
If you receive payments through PayPal, Stripe, or other platforms, you might get a Form 1099-K if transactions exceed $20,000 and 200 transactions (thresholds vary by state).
Key Details:
Local Entity: The local entity in your market is Acast Stories Inc. Please include these details on all invoices.
Invoicing Address: Send all invoices to podinvoice@acast.com. This will automatically enter your invoices into our system.
Disclaimer: This guidance is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional for personalised advice on your VAT obligations.