Do You Get a 1099 When You Donate Plasma?
Complete guide to when plasma centers issue 1099 forms, what to do if you don't receive one, and how to properly report your plasma income.
The Short Answer: Only If You Earn $600+ From One Center
You'll receive a 1099 form from a plasma center only if you earn $600 or more from that specific center in a calendar year. This is the federal threshold that requires businesses to issue 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC forms to contractors and service providers.
However, whether you receive a 1099 or not, you're still required to report all plasma donation income on your tax return.
Key Point: $600 Rule Applies Per Company
If you donate at multiple plasma companies, each one applies the $600 threshold separately. You could earn $599 from three different centers ($1,797 total) and receive zero 1099 forms.
When Plasma Centers Issue 1099 Forms
The $600 Federal Threshold
Under IRS rules, plasma centers must issue Form 1099-MISC (or 1099-NEC) when they pay you:
- $600 or more in a calendar year (January 1 - December 31)
- For services rendered as an independent contractor
- To someone who is not an employee of the company
Types of 1099 Forms for Plasma Donations
Most plasma centers use these forms:
- Form 1099-MISC: Most common for plasma donation payments
- Form 1099-NEC: Some centers use this for non-employee compensation
- Both report to the IRS: Your income is tracked regardless of form type
What's Included in the $600 Calculation
Plasma centers include all payments when calculating the $600 threshold:
- Base donation payments
- New donor bonuses
- Promotional bonuses
- Referral bonuses
- Loyalty rewards
- Any prizes or gifts valued over $600
1099 Timing and Delivery
When You'll Receive Your 1099
Plasma centers must follow specific deadlines for issuing 1099 forms:
| Action | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mail 1099 to you | January 31 | Must be postmarked by this date |
| File with IRS | February 28 (paper) / March 31 (electronic) | Centers report your income to IRS |
| Your tax deadline | April 15 (or next business day) | You must file your tax return |
How You'll Receive Your 1099
Plasma centers typically deliver 1099 forms via:
- U.S. Mail: Sent to your last known address
- Email: If you've opted in for electronic delivery
- Online portal: Accessible through center websites
- In-person pickup: Available at some locations
Address Updates Are Critical:
Always keep your address current with plasma centers. If they can't deliver your 1099, you're still responsible for reporting the income, but you won't have the official documentation.
What If You Don't Receive a 1099?
Common Reasons for Missing 1099s
You might not receive a 1099 form if:
- You earned less than $600 from that specific center
- Address changes: Form was sent to old address
- Name discrepancies: Different name on file vs. tax records
- SSN issues: Incorrect or missing Social Security number
- Center error: Administrative mistakes do happen
Steps to Take If Your 1099 Is Missing
- Wait until mid-February: Forms can arrive late
- Contact the plasma center: Request a duplicate copy
- Check online portals: Many centers offer electronic access
- Update your information: Verify address and SSN on file
- Use Form 4506-T: Request transcript from IRS if needed
Filing Your Taxes Without a 1099
You can and must file your taxes even without receiving a 1099:
- Use your own records: Track all donations and payments
- Calculate total income: Add up all payments received
- Report as "Other Income": On your tax return
- Keep documentation: Bank statements, payment receipts
Multiple Plasma Centers and 1099s
How Multiple Centers Affect 1099 Reporting
Many donors work with multiple plasma companies. Here's how 1099 reporting works:
Tracking Income Across Multiple Centers
Create a system to track all plasma income:
- Spreadsheet tracking: Date, center, amount for each donation
- Bank statement review: Match deposits to donations
- Center statements: Request annual summaries
- Photo documentation: Take pictures of payment receipts
Tax Implications of Multiple Centers
Working with multiple centers can complicate taxes:
- More forms to track: Multiple 1099s to file
- Higher total income: May push you into higher tax brackets
- Self-employment tax: May apply if total exceeds $400
- Quarterly payments: May be required for significant income
Understanding Your 1099 Form
Key Information on Your 1099
Your plasma donation 1099 will include:
- Payer information: Plasma center name and address
- Your information: Name, address, and SSN
- Total payments: All money paid to you in the tax year
- Tax year: Calendar year the income was earned
- Box numbers: Specific boxes showing income type
Common 1099 Boxes for Plasma Income
- Box 1 (1099-MISC): Rents (rarely used for plasma)
- Box 3 (1099-MISC): Other income (most common)
- Box 7 (1099-MISC): Nonemployee compensation
- Box 1 (1099-NEC): Nonemployee compensation
What to Do If Your 1099 Is Wrong
If you notice errors on your 1099:
- Contact the plasma center immediately
- Request a corrected 1099-C (corrected form)
- Keep documentation of your communications
- File your taxes with correct information
- Attach explanation if significant discrepancy
Tax Reporting Best Practices
Reporting Plasma Income Correctly
Follow these guidelines for accurate tax reporting:
- Report all income: Whether you receive 1099s or not
- Use correct forms: Schedule C for business, Form 1040 for casual
- Keep detailed records: All donation dates and amounts
- Save all documentation: 1099s, receipts, bank statements
- Consider professional help: For complex situations
Deductions You Can Claim
If reporting as business income, you may deduct:
- Vehicle expenses: Mileage to and from centers
- Parking fees: Related to donation visits
- Medical exams: Required physicals for donation
- Supplies: Items purchased for donation preparation
Professional Tax Advice:
Consider consulting a tax professional if you earn significant plasma income or have complex tax situations. The cost of professional help can often save you money through proper deductions and compliance.
Major Plasma Center 1099 Policies
CSL Plasma
- Issues 1099-MISC for payments ≥$600
- Available online through donor portal
- Mailed by January 31st
BioLife Plasma Services
- Uses 1099-NEC for most donor payments
- Electronic delivery available
- Customer service can provide duplicates
Octapharma
- Standard 1099-MISC reporting
- Online access through patient portal
- Prompt customer service for issues
Grifols
- 1099-MISC forms for qualifying donors
- Mail and electronic options
- Detailed annual statements available
Track Your 1099 Eligibility
Use our plasma pay calculator to estimate your annual earnings and see if you'll receive 1099 forms from plasma centers. Stay organized and tax-compliant.