Articles — Wage, Tax & Income Explainers
Plain-English explainers on hourly wage law, gig-worker taxes, and passive-income reporting. New articles are published regularly and reviewed by the How Much+ Editorial Team.
- The 1099-K Threshold for 2026 — $5,000 and What's Coming NextThe 1099-K reporting threshold has been a moving target for three years. Here's where it actually stands for 2026, who gets one, and what it does (and doesn't) mean for your taxes.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2026-04-15 · 6 min read
- The 2026 Federal Minimum Wage Debate — What Hourly Workers Should WatchThe federal floor has been $7.25 since 2009. Here's where the conversation stands in 2026, what's actually changing at the state level, and what it means for your paycheck — in plain English.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2026-04-12 · 6 min read
- High-Yield Savings Accounts in 2026 — Why Rates Matter for Passive IncomeHYSA rates have moved a lot in the past three years. Here's what's happening with savings yields in 2026, how the math actually works, and what to look at when comparing accounts — without recommending any specific one.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2026-04-08 · 6 min read
- Overtime Pay Rules in 2026 — A Refresher on FLSA BasicsThe federal overtime law is older than your grandparents and still misunderstood by half the workforce. Here's how it actually works in 2026 — and the common situations where workers leave money on the table.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2026-03-08 · 7 min read
- Mileage Deduction in 2026 — Standard Rate vs. Actual ExpensesThe IRS gives gig drivers two ways to deduct vehicle costs. The standard mileage rate is simpler; actual expenses can be larger. Here's how each works and how to pick the right one for your situation.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2026-02-14 · 7 min read
- YouTube and TikTok Monetization Thresholds in 2026If you're building a channel, the first money usually comes from platform monetization programs. Here's where the qualification bars sit in 2026 and what each platform actually pays for, in plain English.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2026-01-25 · 6 min read
- Dividend Taxation — Qualified vs. Ordinary in Plain EnglishTwo dividend payments of the exact same dollar amount can be taxed at very different rates. Here's how the IRS distinguishes them, why the holding period matters, and what to look for on your 1099-DIV.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2025-12-12 · 6 min read
- Tracking Tips and Cash Income — Why the IRS Cares and How to Stay CleanTips and under-the-table cash count as taxable income. Here's how the IRS sees it, what your employer is required to do, and a simple system any tipped or cash-paid worker can use to stay out of trouble.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2025-11-22 · 6 min read
- Where the Gig Worker Classification Fight Stands in 2026Are gig workers contractors or employees? The legal answer differs by platform, by state, and increasingly by city. Here's a clear-eyed status report for 2026 — without taking a side.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2025-10-30 · 8 min read
- Renting Out a Spare Room or Storage — What the IRS Treats as ReportableRenting a spare room on Airbnb, parking on SpotHero, or storage on Neighbor sounds like easy passive income. The tax rules are more nuanced than people expect — including a famous 14-day exception.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2025-09-18 · 7 min read
- AI and the Hourly Workforce in 2026 — What's Actually ChangingTwo years into the AI boom, the picture for hourly workers is more nuanced than the headlines. Here's a sober look at what's automating, what isn't, and what skills tend to compound across both worlds.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2025-07-15 · 7 min read
- Missed the April 15 Deadline? A Plain-English Catch-Up for Gig WorkersIf April 15 came and went without your taxes filed or your Q1 estimate paid, you're not alone — and the situation is generally fixable. Here's a calm, step-by-step look at what to do.How Much+ Editorial Team · 2025-06-05 · 5 min read
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