Common questions about taxpayer information

Answers to common questions about how Medium collects, stores, and uses your taxpayer information.

Will Medium store my personal information?

Medium does not store any personal information from taxpayer forms. Instead, Medium partners with Tipalti to collect and store this information securely. When you submit your taxpayer information, it goes directly to Tipalti without entering Medium's systems. Tipalti is SOC 2 certified, which means it undergoes regular audits to verify its controls for security, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Once per year, Medium generates and sends 1099-MISC forms to eligible writers through a company called Track1099. Throughout this process, your personal information is not stored on Medium's systems.

Do I need to file my own earnings with the IRS?

If your earnings are taxable, you will need to report them when you file your annual taxes. Medium will send you a 1099-MISC or 1042-S form each January covering the previous tax year, by the IRS deadline of January 31st. The form will arrive by email, or by post if you did not accept electronic delivery. There is nothing you need to do to request it.

For information on withholding and tax form thresholds, see Earnings withholding for US taxes.

Are my earnings from Medium taxable?

Medium is not able to advise on whether your earnings are taxable or how to file them. Generally, 1099-MISC and 1042-S income is considered taxable, but your situation may vary. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.

Will the verification process affect my credit score?

No. Taxpayer information is verified through the IRS Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Matching Program, which confirms that your name, taxpayer ID (SSN or EIN), and address match IRS records. This has no bearing on your credit.

What happens after my tax information is verified?

You will receive a confirmation email once your information has been verified. If there is an issue, you will receive an email asking you to correct any errors. Once verified, earnings will be paid out according to the standard payout schedule.

Why was my TIN rejected?

If we were unable to verify your taxpayer information, check that you have provided your legally given name, correct taxpayer ID (SSN or EIN), and complete address — exactly as they appear in IRS records. Once you resubmit, you will receive a confirmation email. Validation may take up to a few days, after which you will receive a second email confirming the outcome.

What happens if I modify my tax information?

If you update previously verified tax information, the new information will need to go through verification again. If verification succeeds, you will continue earning as normal.

If the new information cannot be verified, Medium will begin withholding your earnings and notify you by email. From that point, you will have 180 days to submit verified information before withheld earnings are forfeited.