What FFA Students Need to Know About Receiving a 1099 for Animal Projects 🐄📄

melindamonfort
May 22
3 min read

If you’re an FFA (Future Farmers of America) or 4-H student who’s earned income from selling livestock or animal projects, first of all—congrats! You’ve taken a big step toward real-world agricultural business. But with that income may come a grown-up responsibility: taxes.

If you received a 1099 form, especially a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC, it means someone reported your earnings to the IRS. That income has to be reported on your taxes—even if you're still in high school.

Here’s what you (and your parents) need to know:

🧾 What is a 1099, and Why Did You Get One?

A 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC is a form that reports money paid to you by someone other than an employer. If you sold an animal at a fair, auction, or livestock show and earned more than $600, the buyer may have issued you a 1099.

That means the IRS knows you earned money—and expects you to report it on a tax return.

🐖 Is This Considered Farm Income or Business Income?

It depends on how your animal project was managed:

If it’s part of an FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and you regularly raise, breed, or sell livestock, the IRS may view this as self-employment income.
If it’s a one-time project or you raised just one animal, it may still be considered hobby income, but it’s best to report it properly and possibly with help from a tax professional.

💻 What You Need to File Taxes

If you received a 1099 for your project, here are the key items you'll need to prepare a tax return:

The 1099 form(s) showing how much you were paid
Receipts for expenses (feed, vet bills, show fees, equipment, etc.)
Your Social Security Number (or ITIN, if applicable)
A record of how long you owned and raised the animal
Details of other income (if any)
Parent or guardian information (if you're a dependent)

🧮 Can You Deduct Expenses?

Yes! If the IRS considers your animal project self-employment or farming income, you may be able to deduct eligible expenses to reduce your taxable income. This includes:

Feed and supplies
Veterinary costs
Show fees and travel expenses
Equipment or pens used for the project

Good recordkeeping is essential. A simple spreadsheet or even a notebook works—just be consistent and keep receipts!

📅 Do You Have to File Taxes?

You’ll generally need to file a federal tax return if you:

Made $400 or more in self-employment income (even if you're a student)
Received a 1099 that puts you above the filing threshold
Want to claim a refund (if taxes were withheld or you qualify for credits)

State tax rules vary, so check your local requirements too. Texas does not have state tax.

🙋‍♀️ Need Help? You're Not Alone!

Tax time can feel overwhelming, especially for young entrepreneurs. Whether you're just showing your first steer or you've built a whole herd, it’s smart to talk with a bookkeeper or tax professional familiar with FFA and ag youth programs.

They can help you:

Report income correctly
Maximize deductions
Avoid IRS issues down the line

And hey—this is a great learning experience that’ll serve you well in life and business!

Final Tip: Keep all your 1099s and receipts in one folder—digital or paper. Next year, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Need help understanding your 1099 or organizing your farm project income? Reach out today—I'd be happy to help you (or your student) wrangle those numbers!