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Helpful NIL links
The official sites, rules and support lines that matter for NIL, sorted by who you are and what you need: governing bodies, state associations and laws, taxes, disclosure rules, recruiting, education and mental health. Pick your role to see your list.
23 links for vendor or supplier.
Compliance and rules
- FTC: children's privacy (COPPA)(opens in a new tab)
The FTC's guidance for businesses that collect information from children under 13.
ftc.gov
Taxes and money
- IRS: estimated taxes(opens in a new tab)
Who pays quarterly estimated tax and how, which applies to most NIL earners.
irs.gov
- IRS self-employed individuals tax center(opens in a new tab)
The IRS's starting point for anyone paid as a contractor rather than an employee.
irs.gov
- IRS Form 1099-NEC(opens in a new tab)
The form a business files to report nonemployee compensation it paid.
irs.gov
- Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC(opens in a new tab)
The IRS's instructions for businesses that issue 1099s.
irs.gov
- IRS Form W-9(opens in a new tab)
The form a brand asks for before paying a contractor, so it can issue a 1099.
irs.gov
- IRS: get an employer identification number (EIN)(opens in a new tab)
How to get an EIN for a business, free from the IRS.
irs.gov
- IRS: business structures(opens in a new tab)
How the IRS treats sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations and LLCs.
irs.gov
Endorsements and advertising
- FTC: Disclosures 101 for social media influencers(opens in a new tab)
When and how to disclose a paid or sponsored post, from the Federal Trade Commission.
ftc.gov
- FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking(opens in a new tab)
The FTC's answers to common questions about endorsements, reviews and sponsored content.
ftc.gov
- FTC: advertising and marketing basics(opens in a new tab)
The FTC's business guidance on truthful advertising, endorsements and marketing to kids.
ftc.gov
Education and courses
- College Sports Commission glossary(opens in a new tab)
Definitions of the terms the commission's rules use, such as associated entities.
collegesportscommission.org
Mental health and wellness
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline(opens in a new tab)
Call or text 988, or chat online, any time, for free and confidential support.
988lifeline.org
- Crisis Text Line(opens in a new tab)
Free, 24/7 support by text with a trained volunteer crisis counselor.
crisistextline.org
- SAMHSA National Helpline(opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, any time.
samhsa.gov
Health, safety and protection
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov(opens in a new tab)
Report a scam or fraud, such as a fake sponsorship offer, to the FTC.
reportfraud.ftc.gov
Running a business
- SBA: plan your business(opens in a new tab)
The Small Business Administration's guide to planning a business, from market research to a business plan.
sba.gov
- SBA: launch your business(opens in a new tab)
Choosing a business structure, registering and getting licenses.
sba.gov
- SBA local assistance(opens in a new tab)
Free and low-cost counseling and mentoring for small businesses near you.
sba.gov
- USPTO trademark basics(opens in a new tab)
What a trademark is and whether you need one, from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
uspto.gov
- USPTO: apply for a trademark online(opens in a new tab)
Where to file a trademark application for a name, logo or slogan.
uspto.gov
- U.S. Copyright Office(opens in a new tab)
Copyright registration and the rules on using photos, music and video you didn't make.
copyright.gov
- CLC (collegiate licensing)(opens in a new tab)
Licensing for products that use college names and logos.
clc.com
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These links go to sites we don't run. We check each one every week and take down any that stop working. For explanations in plain English, start with the NIL Knowledge Hub or the free resource library.
This is general information, not legal advice. NIL rules differ by state, school, association and sport, and they change often. Check the official sources linked on this page and talk with your school's compliance office, your state association or a licensed attorney before you sign anything.
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