
Tax Section Odyssey Name, image, likeness — and taxes: What NIL means for student athletes and CPAs
In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Edward Jenkins, CPA, CGMA, Professor of Practice in Accounting — Penn State University, to discuss name, image and likeness (NIL) taxation issues for student athletes. Together they unpack common misconceptions, emerging revenue streams, unresolved classification issues and the growing complexity of state taxation. Highlights include key considerations — and opportunities — for CPAs advising clients in this rapidly changing area.
What you'll learn from this episode:
- Understand how NIL income is taxed — and why student athletes are often surprised at filing time
- Learn where the biggest compliance risks and reporting pitfalls are for student athletes
- Explore the unresolved questions around worker classification and self‑employment (SE) tax
- Hear why state tax, dependency and multi‑state issues make NIL especially complex
Resources
· State and Local Tax (SALT) Resource Center
· Student Athlete Income Recognition: State and Federal Tax Care Required
Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.
This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
