Desai
Lopez
NIL & Tax Strategy | Serving Athletes Worldwide
at Titanium Taxes · Meet by video, wherever you play
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About Desai Lopez
Raised in Northern California, he competed at multiple collegiate levels before walking on at SDSU, where he played two seasons and finished his career in the NCAA Tournament during March Madness. Following his playing career, Lopez earned his degree in Business Accounting and completed three part-time internships with PricewaterhouseCoopers, gaining early exposure to high-level tax and accounting environments.
While studying accounting and working in the field, Lopez saw firsthand how unprepared athletes were for the financial realities of the NIL era. Despite his accounting background, he discovered his own NIL income from his final seasons had not been properly handled due to unclear guidance and rapidly changing regulations.
Under the mentorship of Enrolled Agent David Neugart, Lopez corrected his filings and developed a clear understanding of how NIL income should be earned, reported, and protected. That experience revealed a much larger issue: if an accounting graduate could miss these complexities, countless athletes were doing the same.
Today, Lopez specializes in athlete tax advisory and NIL compliance, helping clients navigate income reporting, deductions, and long-term financial planning in an increasingly professionalized college sports environment. Through proactive strategy and education, he has helped athletes and clients recover and save over six figures in taxes they either overpaid or didn’t realize they owed.
Taxes aren’t just about filing, they are about strategy. The focus is proactive planning, client education, and long term partnership, helping clients understand their taxes, reduce risk, and stay compliant.
Services
Comprehensive tax services tailored to individuals, business owners, and athletes across a wide range of income.
- Individual and W-2 Tax Preparation
- Year-Round Athlete and NIL Tax Strategy
- Self-Employed and Side-Income Returns
- Amended and Prior Year Returns
- NIL Contract and 1099 Review
- Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Athletes
- Multi-State and Jock Tax Filing
- Athlete LLC and Entity Guidance
- Rookie and Pro Transition Planning
He’s been in your shoes.
Desai played two seasons at SDSU and finished his career in the NCAA Tournament during March Madness. Along the way, he saw how many athletes mishandled their money and NIL income simply because no one gave them clear guidance. Now he’s the guide he wishes his teammates had.
Who I work with
How it works
Book a free call
A quick 15-minute intro to talk through your situation and goals.
Review your NIL contracts & 1099s
We go over your deals, income forms, and expenses so nothing is missed.
File and plan year-round
Accurate filing plus ongoing planning for estimated taxes and what’s next.
Tax partner to sports agencies
Desai serves as lead tax consultant for sports agencies and the athletes they represent, from college NIL earners to professional players. He works alongside agents to keep clients’ income reporting, multi-state filings, and deductions in order so athletes can focus on competing.
Current partners include Envision Sports Group (ESG). Agencies interested in working together are welcome to reach out.
Partner With Desai
Book a consultation
Intro Call
A quick conversation to understand your situation and see how Desai can help.
BookAthlete / NIL Tax Consult
Review NIL deals, income reporting, deductions, and estimated taxes for college and pro athletes.
BookTax Planning Session
An in-depth, proactive planning session for individuals, self-employed clients, and business owners.
BookNIL tax FAQ
Quick answers to the questions athletes ask most.
Is NIL income taxable?
Yes. NIL income is generally taxable and is usually treated as self-employment income reported on Schedule C. Payers often send a Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC, but income is reportable even if you don’t receive one, and non-cash payments like products can count too.
Do I need to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Often, yes. Because taxes usually aren’t withheld from NIL payments, you may need to make quarterly estimated payments to the IRS (and your state) to cover income and self-employment tax and avoid penalties.
What expenses can I deduct?
Ordinary and necessary expenses tied to your NIL activity may be deductible, such as agent or management fees, certain training costs, travel for NIL work, and equipment or content costs, as applicable to your situation.
Do I owe taxes in other states?
Possibly. Earning income or performing NIL work in another state can create a filing requirement there, in addition to your home state. Pro athletes who play road games commonly file in multiple states.
Do I need an LLC?
It depends. An LLC can help with organization and liability, but it isn’t always necessary or tax-advantaged. It’s worth discussing your income level and goals before forming one.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Your situation may differ; book a consultation for advice specific to you.
Send Desai a note
Questions about NIL income, your return, or planning ahead? Desai works remotely with athletes and clients anywhere in the world. Send a note and he will follow up.
Email or call and we’ll get back to you.