Tax Reporting (1099-K)
What CageList reports to the IRS, common deductions, and how to stay compliant. (This is not tax advice—consult a CPA.)
Note: This page provides general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Rules and requirements vary by location and individual circumstance. Consult a licensed CPA or attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Important Disclaimer
This is not tax advice. CageList cannot provide tax guidance. The information below is for educational purposes only. Please consult a qualified CPA or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
1099-K Basics
What gets reported and when
Who Gets One?
Hosts whose Stripe account meets current IRS reporting thresholds
When Issued?
By January 31st for the previous year
How Delivered?
Email and available in your host dashboard
Who Sends It?
Stripe (not CageList) - they are required by law
What's on Your 1099-K?
Your 1099-K may show your gross payment volume before CageList's host commission. CageList currently absorbs card-processing costs, so Stripe processing is not deducted from your host payout.
Example: If your gross booking subtotal is $10,000, your host payout before any tax withholding would generally be $9,000 after CageList's 10% host commission.
Common Tax Deductions for Hosts
Track these expenses to reduce taxable income
Equipment & Supplies
Baseballs/softballsPitching machineL-screenNets & nettingBatting teesReplacement parts
Facility Improvements
Lighting upgradesTurf installationCage construction materialsSafety nettingFencingElectrical work
Utilities (Portion)
Electricity for cage lightsWater if you provide accessInternet for WiFi amenityClimate control (AC/heat)
Maintenance & Cleaning
Cleaning suppliesTurf maintenanceEquipment repairsNet repairsGeneral upkeep
Insurance
Additional liability coverageProperty insurance (portion)Equipment insurance
Marketing & Tech
CageList host commission (10%)Photography for listingSignage
Administrative
Bank feesAccounting softwareTax preparation feesMileage to/from property
Pro Tip: Keep receipts for all expenses (digital or physical). Use accounting software like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Wave (free) to track income and expenses automatically.
Sample Tax Scenarios
Estimated tax liability examples (not advice)
| Annual Earnings | Deductions | Taxable Income | Est. Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $6,000 | $2,500 | $3,500 | $525(15%) |
| $18,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | $1,800(15%) |
| $36,000 | $12,000 | $24,000 | $4,320(18%) |
*Estimates assume self-employment tax (~15%) + federal income tax. Actual rates vary by state, filing status, and total household income. Always consult a CPA.
Do I Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes for the year from hosting, the IRS requires quarterly estimated tax payments (due April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15).
Rule of thumb: If you're earning $500+/month from hosting, consider quarterly payments. Use IRS Form 1040-ES to calculate and pay online. A CPA can set this up for you.
State & Local Taxes
Some states/cities require sales tax, lodging tax, or business licenses for short-term rentals. CageList does NOT automatically collect or remit these taxes—you're responsible for compliance.
Check with your city/county for short-term rental rules
Some states exempt "recreational facility rentals" from sales tax
A local CPA familiar with your area can advise in 30 minutes
Get Professional Help (Worth It!)
A CPA specializing in short-term rentals or the gig economy typically costs $200-500 for tax prep. They'll maximize your deductions and ensure compliance. Most hosts save more than the CPA costs.
Recommended: Look for CPAs familiar with Airbnb/Vrbo hosting—they understand short-term rental tax rules perfectly.
Keep Clean Records
Stripe provides required tax forms when thresholds are met, but you are responsible for reporting income and working with a CPA on your situation.