Are CSL Plasma Donations Taxable? Here's What You Need to Know
If you're donating plasma—especially through CSL Plasma—you might wonder whether those payments count as taxable income. The short answer is yes, and it’s important to understand how they should be reported.
Why Plasma Donation Income Is Taxable
- Paid for Your Time, Not Charity
- Donations through CSL Plasma are treated by the IRS as compensation for services, not charitable contributions. This means the money you receive is taxable income, regardless of whether you receive a 1099 form.
- IRS Guidelines & Reporting
- Form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC: If you earn more than $600 in a year, CSL Plasma should issue one of these forms. However, even if you don't receive a form, you're still required to report what you earn
- How to Report: Use Schedule 1 (Form 1040)—specifically, report it as “Other income” on line 8.
- When Plasma Income Is Business Income
- If you're donating frequently, the IRS considers it a business activity. In this case, it’s treated as self-employment income. You must report it on Schedule C, and you're also responsible for self-employment taxes on net earnings (i.e., reported income minus allowable deductions).
- Possible Deductions
- As business income, some related expenses may be deducted—such as travel to donation centers, parking, or recovery-related nutrition—as long as they’re ordinary and necessary. Keep detailed records to substantiate any deductions
Bottom Line
Payments from CSL Plasma are definitely taxable, whether classified as other income or treated like self-employment earnings. Make sure you:
- Report all income, even if under $600 or if no 1099 form is issued.
- Use the appropriate IRS forms—Schedule 1 for other income and Schedule C + SE if treated as business income.
- Keep diligent records, especially if you're claiming deductions.
For a comprehensive breakdown on this topic, check out the StarsUntold article:
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