Tax Strategy, CFO Insights & NIL Finance for Founders and Athletes

Athletic scholarships are usually tax free when used for tuition and required fees. NIL income is always taxable and subject to self-employment tax on top of federal and state income tax. This guide breaks down exactly what is taxable for college athletes, with real examples comparing scholarship and NIL tax treatment side by side.

A college athlete earning $120,000 in NIL income with no structure sends $28,800 to the IRS and puts nothing toward their future. The same athlete with an S-Corp and Solo 401k sends $15,100 to the IRS and puts $37,000 into retirement. Same deals. Same income. Different structure. Here are the real numbers.