Arc & Ledger / Fall 2026

Practice the decision.
Explain the evidence.

Four short labs for freelancers, creators and gig workers. Change a fictional case, inspect the result, and explain what fact could change the answer.

Tax Essentials practice edition · Sources checked September 13, 2026 · Works offline

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Start with the model, then try the transfer question. These are teaching calculations, not a tax return or a payment recommendation. Use fictional figures. Reloading clears your work. Printing includes all sections.

Explain the bank deposit

The platform reports gross activity. The bank receives a payout. Build the bridge before deciding how income and costs belong on a tax return.

Enter a reserve release as a negative number. This is a simplified payout bridge; other adjustments may need separate lines.
Read the result

Gross receipts are not profit

A Form 1099-K is an information report. A reserve increase explains a cash timing difference; it is not automatically a deductible expense. Check the agreement and accounting method before deciding income timing.

Do not subtract the same platform fee twice. If you record gross receipts and the fee separately, do not also treat the net payout as another sale.

Try a transfer

Keep the gross amount, refunds and fees unchanged. Release $300 from the reserve instead of withholding $500. Predict the payout before recalculating. Which change affects cash, and which changes the earnings calculation?

Check your reasoning

The payout becomes $10,400. A release adds cash; it does not by itself create a new sale. The signed reserve balance is the clue.

Source: IRS Form 1099-K overview and IRS Publication 583.