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I have been using a search engine that gives you points that you can redeem for gift cards. As far as I can tell there is no way to get cash, without reselling the cards, but I can figure a monetary value. This question is similar about credit card rewards, but that is based on money you spend, not searches that you do (work performed). My initial guess is that this is such a small amount that there is probably not a need to worry, but even if that is the case, there is an amount that I need to watch for.

With all the above in mind...

  1. Are search engine rewards taxable?
  2. If so, is there a minimum amount that I do not need to worry about?
Community
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JabberwockyDecompiler
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1 Answers1

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Short answer: Yes

You have to report these benefits as income, whether you opt for gift cards or anything else (I'm not familiar with what possible options exist for cashing out points). If you redeem an aggregate of $600 or more throughout the calendar year, they will send you a 1099 to include with your taxes (and send a copy to the IRS).

It's important to note that even if you don't get $600 or more in rewards, you are required to report it as additional income.

Noah
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