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

NIL income is self-employment income. That means college athletes earning from brand deals, collectives, appearances, and social media sponsorships could owe 25 to 40 percent in federal, state, and self-employment taxes. Here is a complete 2026 guide to how NIL deals are taxed, what you can deduct, and how to avoid the most costly mistakes.

NIL money is taxable from the first dollar and most college athletes find out at tax time. Learn how to handle quarterly payments, deduct legitimate expenses, form an LLC or S-Corp, and build a tax strategy that protects every dollar you earn from brand deals, appearances, and sponsorships.