As of January 1st, 2026 the IRS changed the threshold requiring a tax form from $600 to $2000. 

In accordance with United States tax laws, Medscape is required to send Tax Form 1099 to any US citizen/Legal Resident, who has reached or exceeded the $2000 claimed (not earned) remuneration threshold per calendar year. Claimed means you clicked claim and received the reward code. 

 To ensure compliance with United States tax laws, we will require a completed W-9 form as soon as a United States citizen/ legal resident attempts to claim near the threshold within a calendar year. Once you reach this threshold and try to claim, you should see a W-9 pop up before it will give you your remuneration. 

If you did not claim $2000 or more within the a calendar year but completed the W-9 form, you will NOT receive a 1099 and therefore would not need to claim the Medscape remuneration on your taxes. 

When US citizens/legal residents claim their gift cards through Medscape, they will automatically see a W-9 pop when applicable.  All you need to do is complete the form and you will be able to collect your gift card after completing. 

For those who are NOT US citizens/ legal residents of the United States, you will need to complete a W-8 Form.  Medscape users that are not US citizens must submit Form W-8BEN to ensure that they receive their full remuneration payments. WebMD requires Form W-8BEN  to prove that the remuneration was not subject to any withholding. This form is requested during the first claim. You may see a citizenship question previous to this to ensure you are served the correct form. To read more details, you may visit the US IRS website  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8ben.pdf