Get answers to frequently asked questions about tax forms, withholding rates, and 1099 requirements for US Contributors.
As an Adobe Stock Contributor who is a US citizen or registered alien, you earn income subject to US tax laws. These questions address tax form requirements, profile management, and year-end reporting to help you maintain compliance and avoid unnecessary withholding.
Tax overview
Licensing creative content is an economic activity. As an Adobe Stock Contributor, income derived from your sales is subject to US backup withholding tax if you don't provide the proper tax form to Adobe.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the US government agency responsible for tax collection and compliance with tax laws. As a US company, Adobe and its Contributors must comply with US tax law and provide the IRS with appropriate withholding tax remittance and reporting. The tax form you submit prevents the US backup withholding tax from applying to your income.
Without a valid form, all Contributor income is subject to backup withholding tax of 24%.
Review your profile
Ensure all your information is up to date by reviewing your profile in your Contributor account. False information results in non-validation of your form and subjects you to backup withholding taxes on your income.
Submit your tax forms
Tax forms must be filled out and signed digitally in your Contributor account. Update your forms after any life event affecting your taxes, such as marriage, a name change, divorce, or the creation or dissolution of a company. The system guides you through options to choose the right form, then you can fill it out, e-sign, and submit it directly through the Contributor Portal.
Individuals, and LLC, partnerships, or corporations
US tax residents typically submit Form W-9 so Adobe doesn't withhold taxes on your Adobe Stock income. A valid Form W-9 requires a US SSN, EIN, or ITIN.
Review W-9 instructions for detailed guidance on completing the form.
End of year
At the end of each year, Adobe reports any backup withholding tax related to Adobe Stock income to the IRS. Adobe issues Form 1099s to individuals who earn more than $10, specifying their earnings. Corporations don't receive a Form 1099. Earnings are reported and subject to backup withholding tax if you don't provide the proper tax form, regardless of whether you requested a payout. You pay taxes on this income once—you don't pay again when you withdraw the funds.
Frequently asked questions
US individual and corporate Contributors must complete Form W-9.
Until you complete and validate the appropriate form, your Adobe income is subject to automatic withholding at the appropriate tax rate. Submitting the applicable form may qualify you for a reduced or zero withholding rate.
Complete a W-9 offline and email it to adobetax@adobe.com. Adobe will email your form to IT to manually override the system so you can benefit from the 0% tax rate.
Download your 1099 using Adobe's request form. Using the electronic download form prevents future paper copies from being sent via USPS.
Yes. Email your request to adobetax@adobe.com. Update your address in your Contributor account profile to ensure you receive a paper copy automatically next year.
Adobe Stock issues 1099 forms based on royalties earned each year. This prevents Contributors from deferring taxes, ensures compliance with IRS constructive receipt rules, and accounts for royalties available if you close your account. Royalties are taxed when earned, not when withdrawn.
Learn more about getting paid as a Contributor.
