Why did I get two 1099 forms from Twitch?

Twitch reports subscription and ad revenue on Form 1099-MISC (Box 2, as royalties), while bits are reported separately on Form 1099-NEC. Both count as self-employment income and must be combined on Schedule C.

What can Twitch streamers deduct?

Twitch streamers can deduct streaming equipment (camera, microphone, capture card), software subscriptions, a percentage of internet costs, a home office if used exclusively for streaming, and editing or graphic design software.

Twitch Tax Calculator — California 2026

Free Twitch streamer tax calculator for California (CA). Includes the 9.3% California state income tax plus federal SE tax (15.3%) and federal income tax. Quarterly payment schedule included. No signup required.

Last updated: July 2026·By the GigWiseTax Team·~5 min read · 1,200 words

Quick Answer — Twitch Taxes California 2026

Twitch streamers in California earning $30,000 net (combined subs, ads, bits, and donations) owe approximately $8,336 total — $4,239 self-employment tax (15.3%) + $1,307 federal income tax + 9.3% California state income tax. Quarterly estimated payment: ~$2,084. Subscription and ad revenue arrives on a 1099-MISC, while bits arrive on a separate 1099-NEC — both count as self-employment income.

Key Takeaways

Twitch streamers are independent contractors — Twitch withholds zero taxes
On $30,000 net income: ~$4,239 SE tax + ~$1,307 federal = ~$5,546 total in California
Quarterly payments due Apr 15, Jun 16, Sep 15, Jan 15 — ~$1,387 each
Twitch sends two separate 1099 forms — 1099-MISC for subs/ads, 1099-NEC for bits — both must be combined
Streaming equipment, software, and internet percentage are deductible business expenses
File Schedule C — report all Twitch income from both 1099 forms, even without either form

Twitch Tax Calculator 2026IRS Schedule SE

State of Residence

Filing Status

Annual Twitch Net Income — Subs + Ads + Bits + Donations (USD)

Combine amounts from both your 1099-MISC (subs, ads) and 1099-NEC (bits) — both count as self-employment income.

Calculate Twitch Tax Estimate

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Twitch Taxes in California — 2026 Guide

How Twitch Taxes Work in California

California has a 9.3% state income tax rate. Twitch streamers in California must make both federal and state quarterly estimated tax payments.

SE Tax

15.3%

Federal (all states)

Federal Tax

10-37%

Based on income

CA State Tax

9.3%

California rate

Top Tax Deductions for Twitch Streamers in California

Streaming equipment — camera, microphone, capture card, lighting

Software subscriptions — OBS plugins, overlays, editing tools

Internet bill — business use percentage

Home office deduction (dedicated streaming space)

Computer/PC hardware upgrades used for streaming

Graphic design & video editing software

Self-employed health insurance premiums

Half of self-employment tax (SE tax deduction)

Accounting & tax software

Business bank account fees

Twitch classifies all streamers as independent contractors. As a result, you must pay self-employment tax on net earnings of $400 or more. — IRS Self-Employed Tax Center

FAQ — Twitch Taxes in California 2026

Q: Do Twitch streamers pay taxes in California?

Yes. In California, Twitch streamers pay 15.3% SE tax, federal income tax (10-37%), plus 9.3% California state income tax.

Q: Do I need quarterly payments in California?

Yes. In California, you must make both federal (Form 1040-ES) and state quarterly estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more.

Q: Why does Twitch send two 1099 forms in California?

Twitch reports subscription and ad revenue on Form 1099-MISC as royalties, while bits are reported on a separate Form 1099-NEC. Both count as self-employment income in California or any other state, and must be added together and reported on Schedule C.

Disclaimer: State tax rates are for estimation purposes only. Not affiliated with Twitch or any government agency. Consult a licensed CPA for advice.

Twitch Tax in Other States