You landed your first paid deal. Before you post anything, get these 5 things right. I work on the brand side of these deals, and this is what makes a creator easy to pay.
1. Get a free EIN
Brands will ask for your tax ID. Don’t send your Social Security number to every marketing team you work with. Get a free EIN from IRS.gov in about 10 minutes and use that instead.
2. Fill out a W-9 once
The W-9 is how a brand gets your name, address, and tax ID. Fill one out, save it as a PDF, and send the same file to every brand. Payment usually can’t start until they have it.
3. Know what a 1099 is (and isn’t)
Starting with 2026 payments, a brand only has to send you a 1099-NEC if it paid you $2,000 or more in the year. That used to be $600. Payment apps and platforms send a 1099-K once you pass $20,000 and 200 transactions.
Here’s the part people miss. Every dollar is taxable whether you get a form or not. No 1099 doesn’t mean no tax.
4. Get the payment terms in writing
Some brands pay through their own system or a creator platform. Others ask you for an invoice. Either way, before you film, make sure you know:
- Exactly what you’re delivering and when
- Usage rights: where they can use your content and for how long
- How much, how you get paid, and when
Even if the brand has its own process, it’s worth sending your own invoice when you deliver. It gives you a clear record of what was agreed, what you delivered, and when payment is due, which makes any follow-up easy.
If the terms say net 30, that’s 30 days from whatever the contract says starts the clock, like delivery or approval. Not from when you post.
5. Move the tax money out first
Nobody withholds taxes from a brand payment. When it lands, move a chunk straight into a separate savings account. 25% to 30% is a common starting point, then adjust once you see your real numbers. If you’re making real money, you’ll owe quarterly estimated taxes too.
Bonus: if you get a lot of free products from brands, ask your tax pro how they want you to handle them.
What I actually use: Fidelity for investing, the Amex Gold for everyday spending, and the rest on my What I Use page.
General education, not tax advice for your situation. Thresholds are for 2026 and may change. Confirm with a CPA.
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