NIL Tax Resources for Coaches | Support Your Athletes with Tax Education

Your Role in NIL Tax Education

As a coach or athletic director, you play a critical role in helping your athletes navigate the NIL landscape. While you can't provide tax advice, you CAN:

Educate athletes about NIL tax responsibilities and compliance requirements
Connect them with qualified tax professionals who specialize in NIL taxation
Provide resources and materials that explain tax obligations in plain language
Host team education sessions on NIL financial management
Ensure your program stays compliant with NCAA and conference NIL rules
Protect your athletes from costly tax mistakes that could derail their future

Important Note

You should NOT provide specific tax advice to athletes. Instead, your role is to educate them on the importance of working with tax professionals and to connect them with qualified experts.

What Coaches Need to Know About NIL Taxes

NIL Tax Basics for Your Athletes

Here's what you should be able to explain to your team (at a high level):

1. All NIL Income Is Taxable

Cash payments, free products, services, meals, travel—everything counts as taxable income
Athletes are classified as self-employed for tax purposes
They'll owe federal income tax, self-employment tax (15.3%), and state income tax

2. Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments Are Required

Athletes must pay taxes quarterly (April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15)
Failure to pay quarterly results in penalties and interest
They should set aside 25-35% of every NIL payment for taxes

3. Deductions Can Reduce Tax Bills

Agent fees, marketing expenses, travel, equipment, and other business costs are deductible
Athletes need to track expenses and keep receipts to claim deductions
Without documentation, deductions will be disallowed

4. Multi-State Income Creates Complexity

Athletes earning NIL income in multiple states may need to file multiple state tax returns
Each state has different tax rates and filing requirements
Professional guidance is essential for multi-state compliance

5. Financial Aid Can Be Affected

NIL income is reported on the FAFSA and can reduce need-based aid
Athletic scholarships are NOT affected by NIL income
Athletes should work with their school's financial aid office

Talking Point

"If you're earning NIL income, you need to work with a tax professional who specializes in NIL taxation. This isn't optional—it's essential to protect your earnings and avoid IRS penalties."

Resources We Provide for Your Program

Tools, materials, and support to help your athletes succeed

Team Education Sessions

We'll come to your program and present a 45-60 minute NIL tax education session for your entire team. Topics include tax basics, quarterly payments, deductions, and how to avoid penalties.

Schedule a Session

Downloadable Handouts

Free PDF guides and checklists you can distribute to your athletes: NIL Tax Basics, Quarterly Payment Calendar, Deduction Tracker, Red Flags to Watch For.

Download Resources

Athlete Referral Program

Confidential referrals for athletes who need professional tax help. We offer discounted rates for athletes referred by coaches and athletic programs.

Learn More

Video Library

Short educational videos (5-10 minutes) covering NIL tax topics. Perfect for team meetings, email distribution, or posting on your team website or group chat.

Access Videos

Quarterly Deadline Reminders

We'll provide you with quarterly tax deadline calendars and reminder templates you can share with your team before each deadline (April, June, September, January).

Get Reminders

Direct Hotline

Coaches and ADs get priority access to our team for questions, athlete referrals, or urgent situations. We're here when you need us.

248-918-0525

NCAA & Conference Compliance Considerations

NIL regulations continue to evolve at the NCAA, conference, and state levels. Here's what coaches need to know about compliance:

What You CAN Do:

Educate: Provide general information about NIL taxation and financial management
Connect: Refer athletes to qualified tax professionals and financial advisors
Support: Encourage athletes to seek professional guidance and stay compliant
Host sessions: Bring in outside experts to speak to your team about NIL financial topics
Share resources: Distribute educational materials from qualified professionals

What You CANNOT Do:

Arrange deals: You cannot arrange, negotiate, or facilitate NIL deals for athletes
Provide compensation: You cannot compensate athletes directly or indirectly for NIL activities
Require NIL activities: You cannot require athletes to engage in specific NIL deals
Give tax advice: You cannot provide specific tax guidance (leave that to tax professionals)

Stay Updated

NCAA and state NIL rules continue to evolve. Always consult your compliance office before implementing any NIL-related program or initiative.

How to Connect Athletes with Professional Help

The best thing you can do for your athletes is connect them with qualified tax professionals who specialize in NIL taxation. Here's how:

Step 1: Identify Which Athletes Need Help

Any athlete earning more than $5,000 in NIL income should work with a tax professional
Athletes earning income in multiple states need specialized guidance
Athletes who receive IRS notices or miss quarterly deadlines need immediate help

Step 2: Make the Introduction

Share our contact information with athletes who need help
Encourage them to schedule a free consultation
Emphasize that working with a tax professional is an investment, not an expense

Step 3: Follow Up

Check in with athletes to make sure they followed through
Remind them of quarterly payment deadlines
Create a culture where financial responsibility is valued and expected

Coach Referral Form

Download our simple referral form to track which athletes you've connected with professional tax help. We'll follow up directly with each athlete.

Get Referral Form

Sample Talking Points for Your Team

Use these talking points during team meetings to educate your athletes about NIL tax responsibilities:

Opening Statement

"NIL opportunities are incredible, but they come with real tax responsibilities. Every dollar you earn is taxable, and the IRS expects you to pay quarterly. If you don't plan ahead, you could end up with a huge tax bill and penalties you can't afford. Let's talk about how to protect your earnings and stay compliant."

Key Messages to Share:

"Set aside 30% immediately." Every time you receive a NIL payment, transfer 30% to a separate account for taxes.
"Track everything." Keep receipts, invoices, and records of all NIL income and expenses.
"Pay quarterly." Mark April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 on your calendar.
"Get professional help." If you're earning significant NIL income, work with a tax professional who specializes in NIL taxation.
"Ask before you spend." Before signing a big contract or making a major purchase, talk to a tax advisor.

Closing Statement

"I want you to succeed on and off the field. Part of that success is managing your NIL income responsibly. I'm here to connect you with resources and professionals who can help. Don't wait until you get an IRS notice—be proactive and protect what you've earned."

Host a NIL Tax Workshop for Your Team

We offer customized NIL tax education workshops for athletic programs. Here's what we cover:

Workshop Format:

Duration: 45-60 minutes (in-person or virtual)
Audience: Athletes, coaches, parents (customize based on your needs)
Topics: NIL tax basics, quarterly payments, deductions, multi-state filing, financial aid impact
Q&A: 15-minute Q&A session at the end
Materials: Handouts, checklists, and resources for all attendees

What Your Athletes Will Learn:

How NIL income is taxed and what they'll owe
When and how to make quarterly estimated tax payments
What expenses they can deduct to reduce their tax bill
How to track income and expenses properly
Red flags that indicate they need professional help
Where to go for additional resources and support

Schedule a Workshop

Contact us to schedule a NIL tax workshop for your program. We offer group discounts and can customize content based on your team's needs.

Request a Workshop

Partner With Us to Support Your Athletes

Let's work together to ensure your athletes understand NIL tax responsibilities and have access to professional guidance.

Schedule a Call 248-918-0525