For many college athletes, income from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has been life-changing. But it also comes with paperwork, deadlines and tax rules that can feel overwhelming.
That’s why Denzel Luna, a Bridgeport native and former University of Bridgeport basketball player, created Nexa Tax, a tax platform tailored to student-athletes.
With an NIL tax calculator, an AI chatbot for questions and a mileage tracker, Nexa Tax helps players avoid costly mistakes. The platform, built specifically for college athletes, aims to simplify the way rising stars calculate taxes, track expenses, and stay compliant.
“Tax rules are confusing enough for anyone,” said Luna. “For athletes juggling school, training, and NIL income, the last thing they need is unexpected tax trouble. We built Nexa so they can focus on their game, not paperwork.”
Nexa Tax features include an NIL tax calculator to estimate taxes owed before deadlines, an AI-powered chatbot that answers real tax questions, from 1099s to allowable deductions, and a mileage tracker to record trips related to brand deals and promotional appearances.
“For these athletes, time is already stretched thin between school and sports,” Luna said. “Nexa gives them peace of mind so they can focus on the game, not tax forms.”
One user, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions basketball player Zach Reinhart, praised Nexa for helping him “stay ahead.” Tarleton State forward Ocypher Owens also relies on the platform to log travel related to NIL income.
According to the company’s website, the platform includes CPA-reviewed insights, giving students confidence that their tax strategy is sound.
Luna launched Nexa Tax earlier this year and is partnering with various athlete organizations and schools to reach players early. With NIL earnings under greater scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service and state authorities, tools that educate and streamline financial management are becoming essential, he said.
As NIL continues to reshape college sports, Luna hopes Nexa Tax will become the go-to resource that lets athletes keep more of what they earn honestly and confidently.
From FCN partner Easton Courier.
