Quick Answer
Amazon Handmade and Etsy sellers file taxes essentially the same way using Schedule C, but Amazon typically sends 1099-K forms for sales over $600 (vs Etsy's $20,000+ threshold), and Amazon's referral fees average 15% compared to Etsy's 6.5% transaction fees, affecting your deductible expenses.
Best Answer
Alex Torres, Gig Economy Tax Educator
Experienced Etsy sellers who are adding Amazon Handmade to their sales channels
Tax filing basics: Same form, different details
Both Amazon Handmade and Etsy sellers file taxes using Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business), but the platforms handle reporting and fees differently, which affects your tax preparation.
The biggest difference is in 1099-K reporting thresholds. Amazon typically issues 1099-K forms for sellers with gross sales over $600, following the new federal threshold. Etsy still uses the higher threshold of $20,000 in sales AND 200+ transactions. This means you'll likely receive tax forms from Amazon sooner than from Etsy.
Platform fee differences that affect deductions
Your deductible platform fees vary significantly between the two:
Amazon Handmade fees (deductible):
Etsy fees (deductible):
Example: $10,000 in sales comparison
Let's say you sell $10,000 worth of handmade jewelry on each platform:
Amazon Handmade:
Etsy:
Both platform costs are fully deductible business expenses on Schedule C, but Amazon's higher fees mean larger deductions.
Record keeping differences
Amazon provides more detailed seller reports through Seller Central, including:
Etsy provides:
For tax purposes, download and save monthly reports from both platforms. The IRS expects you to report ALL income, regardless of whether you receive 1099-K forms.
Inventory and shipping considerations
Both platforms allow similar deductions for:
Key difference: If you use Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), those storage and fulfillment fees are deductible business expenses that don't exist with Etsy.
What you should do
1. Keep separate spreadsheets tracking sales and expenses for each platform
2. Download monthly statements from both platforms
3. Use the same Schedule C to report combined income from both platforms
4. Track platform-specific expenses (Amazon's higher referral fees vs. Etsy's listing fees)
5. Consider using accounting software that integrates with both platforms
Key takeaway: File taxes the same way using Schedule C, but expect Amazon to send 1099-K forms sooner due to lower thresholds, and deduct Amazon's higher 15% referral fees versus Etsy's 6.5% transaction fees.
Key Takeaway: Both platforms use Schedule C for tax filing, but Amazon's 15% referral fees create larger deductions than Etsy's 6.5% fees, and Amazon sends 1099-K forms at lower sales thresholds.
Key tax differences between Amazon Handmade and Etsy for sellers
| Factor | Amazon Handmade | Etsy |
|---|---|---|
| 1099-K Threshold | $600 in sales | $20,000+ sales & 200+ transactions |
| Referral/Transaction Fees | 15% referral fee | 6.5% transaction fee |
| Payment Processing | ~2.9% + $0.30 | 3% + $0.25 |
| Listing Fees | $0.99 closing fee (some items) | $0.20 per listing |
| Total Fee Range | 15-18% of sales | 9-10% of sales |
| Payment Frequency | Every 2 weeks | Monthly |
| Tax Forms | Schedule C | Schedule C |
More Perspectives
James Okafor, Self-Employment Tax Specialist
First-year sellers trying to understand the tax implications of different platforms
The simple answer: Both use the same tax forms
Don't overthink this — whether you sell on Amazon Handmade or Etsy (or both), you'll use the same tax form: Schedule C attached to your Form 1040. The IRS doesn't care which platform you use; they just want to know your total business income and expenses.
What's actually different
The main differences affect your record-keeping, not your tax filing:
1099-K Forms: Amazon sends these for sales over $600, while Etsy's threshold is much higher ($20,000+ sales). But remember — you must report ALL income even if you don't get a 1099-K.
Fee Structure: Amazon takes about 15-18% total in fees, while Etsy takes about 9-10%. Both are deductible, but Amazon's higher fees mean bigger deductions.
Reporting: Amazon's seller reports are more detailed, making bookkeeping easier. Etsy requires more manual tracking.
Your action plan as a new seller
1. Track everything: Revenue and expenses from both platforms go on the same Schedule C
2. Save monthly statements: Download from both platforms every month
3. Don't panic about 1099-K forms: Report your actual income, not just what's on tax forms
4. Understand you're self-employed: You'll owe self-employment tax (15.3%) on your profit from both platforms combined
The platform doesn't matter for taxes — profitable selling does. Focus on accurate record-keeping rather than platform-specific tax strategies.
Key Takeaway: Both platforms use identical tax filing (Schedule C), so focus on accurate income and expense tracking rather than worrying about platform differences.
James Okafor, Self-Employment Tax Specialist
People with day jobs who sell crafts on multiple platforms as side income
Combining platforms with your W-2 job
As a side hustler, your Amazon Handmade and Etsy sales get combined into one Schedule C that attaches to the same 1040 where you report your W-2 wages. The platform differences mainly affect your quarterly estimated tax strategy.
Cash flow timing differences
Amazon typically pays faster (every two weeks) compared to Etsy's monthly payments. This affects when you receive income for tax planning:
Platform fees and your tax bracket
Since you already have W-2 income, your side hustle profit gets taxed at your marginal rate plus 15.3% self-employment tax. Amazon's higher fees (15%+ total) create larger deductions, which is more valuable when you're in higher tax brackets.
Example: If you're in the 22% tax bracket:
Quarterly tax considerations
With inconsistent side hustle income, track your running profit monthly. If your combined platforms generate over $400 annual profit, you'll owe quarterly estimated taxes. Amazon's more frequent payments make cash flow planning easier.
The key insight: Platform choice affects your cash flow and fee deductions, but both get reported identically on Schedule C alongside your W-2 income.
Key Takeaway: Combine both platforms on one Schedule C attached to your W-2 return, but Amazon's higher fees and faster payments can help with tax planning and quarterly payments.
Sources
- IRS Publication 334 — Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C)
- IRS Schedule C Instructions — Instructions for Schedule C (Form 1040)
Reviewed by Alex Torres, Gig Economy Tax Educator on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.