Annual Recurring Dates

Jan

January 1

New fiscal year begins. Set aside your Q4 estimated tax payment from the prior year if you haven't already.

Mid-January

W-9 and 1099 forms begin arriving from brands that paid you $600 or more last year. Collect and file each one.

Late January

Review all active NIL contracts for upcoming renewal dates. Flag anything expiring in the next 60–90 days.

Feb

February 15

1099-NEC forms must be received from all brands who paid you. If you haven't received one and were paid $600+, follow up immediately.

February

Review your revenue share allocation with your athletic department before the spring semester ends. Get your number in writing.

Mar–Apr

April 15

Federal tax deadline. Self-employment tax is due. If you didn't file quarterly estimates, you may owe penalties on top of the tax itself.

April — Spring Portal Window

Spring transfer portal window opens — typically a 2-week window in April. All sports. Know your deadlines before making any decision.

April

Review NIL collective agreements for summer renewal terms. Many collectives operate on academic-year cycles.

May–Jun

May

Spring portal window closes. If you entered but did not transfer, confirm your status with your athletic department in writing.

June 15

Q2 estimated tax payment due. If your NIL income exceeds $1,000 annually, quarterly estimated payments are required by the IRS.

June

Begin brand deal outreach for fall season campaigns. Brands plan fall activations 60–90 days in advance — start early.

Jul

July 1

NIL anniversary — July 1, 2021 marked the start of the NIL era. New academic year contracts begin and revenue share resets.

July

Summer brand deal peak. Most campaigns launch July–August. Highest deal volume of the year — be ready to respond fast.

Aug

August

Fall semester begins. Revenue share payments typically start. Verify your school's opt-in status for the new academic year.

Late August

Review all active exclusivity clauses before the season starts. Signing a new deal that violates an existing clause can void both contracts.

Sep

September 15

Q3 estimated tax payment due. This covers income earned April–August. Don't miss it — underpayment penalties compound.

September

Peak brand deal season. Football season means highest NIL rates of the year. If you're a football player, this is your leverage window.

Oct–Nov

November

Early signing period approaches for football (December). NIL conversations tied to recruiting increase. Know the rules on what schools and collectives can offer.

November

Begin Q4 tax planning with your CPA. Review your full-year income, estimate your total tax liability, and set aside the balance.

Dec

December 9

Football transfer portal opens. If you're considering a transfer, have your NIL situation evaluated before entering — not after.

December 15

Q4 estimated tax payment due. This is the final quarterly payment of the year. Underpaying through the year results in penalties at filing.

Mid-December

Early signing period for football. Recruiting NIL conversations are active — understand what you're being offered and what it's actually worth.

December 31

Year-end. All NIL income for the calendar year must be reported. Last day to make deductible business purchases for the current tax year.

Transfer Portal Windows

Sport	Window	Duration
Football	Dec 9 – Jan 2 (winter)	~25 days
Football	April (spring)	~2 weeks
Men's Basketball	May 1 – May 15	15 days
Women's Basketball	May 1 – May 15	15 days
All Other Sports	One spring window	Varies by sport

Important Notes

Always Verify ›

Dates vary by year — always confirm with your school's compliance office before acting on any deadline. The NCAA adjusts portal windows and tax guidance changes. This calendar reflects general patterns, not legal or financial advice.

Estimated tax payments are required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year. If you're earning NIL income and not making quarterly payments, you are accumulating penalties.

Transfer portal dates are set by the NCAA and may change without significant advance notice. The football winter window dates in particular have shifted year over year.

If You Miss These Dates

Tax penalties compound. Portal windows close permanently. Contracts that weren't reviewed become enforceable as-is. None of these mistakes are recoverable without significant cost.

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Federal Tax Return

Apr 15

Q1 Estimated Tax

Apr 15

Q2 Estimated Tax

Jun 15

Q3 Estimated Tax

Sep 15

Q4 Estimated Tax

Dec 15

1099s Must Arrive

Feb 15

Football Portal Opens

Dec 9

Basketball Portal Window

May 1–15

Year-End Income Report

Dec 31

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Vyro Advisory Note

This calendar is educational. Actual compliance requires working with your school's compliance office and a licensed CPA who understands athlete income. When you're ready for an advisor, info@vyrotalent.com

NIL Compliance Calendar