What 1099 do Instacart shoppers get?
Full-service Instacart shoppers are independent contractors and receive Form 1099-NEC for their nonemployee compensation. For payments made in 2026, the federal reporting threshold rose from $600 to $2,000, so a shopper paid less than $2,000 in 2026 may not receive a form. That does not change what you owe: all Instacart income is taxable, form or no form, and you report it on Schedule C.
Key facts
- Form: 1099-NEC (nonemployee compensation).
- Threshold: $600 for 2025 payments (forms issued in early 2026); $2,000 for payments made in 2026 (forms issued in early 2027), under the 2025 tax law.
- Deadline: payers must furnish 1099-NEC by January 31.
- Delivery: usually electronic. Watch your email and the Shopper app for instructions on accessing your tax documents, and keep your address and tax ID up to date.
Does the 1099 include tips?
Your 1099-NEC total generally includes batch pay, bonuses and customer tips paid through the platform. Compare it with your own weekly earnings statements; if it looks wrong, contact Support before you file.
Gross is not profit
The 1099 shows gross pay. On Schedule C you subtract business expenses, most importantly business miles (72.5¢ January–June 2026 and 76¢ July–December 2026). Your taxes are based on the profit, not the 1099 figure.
In-store shoppers are different
In-store shoppers who are Instacart employees receive a W-2 with tax withheld. This guide is about full-service shoppers, who are contractors.
If you never received a form
Report the income anyway from your own records. The IRS can match unreported income, and the obligation to report does not depend on receiving a form.
Frequently asked questions
Does Instacart send a 1099?
Yes. Full-service shoppers who meet the reporting threshold receive Form 1099-NEC, usually electronically, by January 31.
What is the 1099-NEC threshold for 2026?
$2,000 for payments made in 2026, up from $600. Income below the threshold is still taxable.
Do I have to report Instacart income without a 1099?
Yes. All self-employment income is taxable whether or not you receive a form.
Are Instacart tips on the 1099?
Tips paid through the platform are generally included in reported pay. Check against your weekly statements.
Go deeper. Chapter 13 of the guide covers shopper taxes end to end, from the 1099 to Schedule C, with a ready-made tracker spreadsheet. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- How do Instacart shoppers pay taxes in 2026?
- What can Instacart shoppers deduct besides mileage?
- Do Instacart shoppers qualify for "no tax on tips"?