Can I remove income from 2018 that I already listed in 2017?

[dbaker]

I received a $400 honorarium for a November 2017 talk in January 2018.  I listed it as 2017 income last year and paid taxes on it.  It is being automatically included as 2018 income. How can I fix this?

[IreneS]

If you already included the income on your 2017 return, don't include it in 2018.

If you received a 1099-MISC form just keep it in your files.  If you happen to get a letter from the IRS down the road asking why it wasn't included on your 2018 return, just explain that it was included in 2017.

If you've already enter the 1099-MISC, you can delete it using these steps:

TurboTax Online

1. While in your return, click on Tax Tools > Tools (in the black bar at the side of your screen).  
2. In the Tools Center, under Other helpful links click on Delete a form.
3. Click Delete next to the form you want to delete and follow the onscreen instructions. 
4. Once you have finished deleting the desired form(s) click the Continue with My Return box (in the lower right of your screen).

TurboTax CD/Download

1. Go into Forms Mode by clicking on the Forms icon in the top right of the blue bar. 
2. In the Forms in My Return list on the left, click on the form you wish to open and delete.
3. Click on the Delete Form box at the bottom of the screen.
4. To return to the interview, click on the Step-By-Step icon in the top right of the blue bar.  

[Edited 4/9/2019 6:35 am PDT]

[dbaker]

I can do this but Turbo Tax won't e-file for me unless I add the $400 to the miscellaneous income line.  

[IreneS]

Did you already enter the 1099-MISC?  How does TurboTax even know about the income?  What version of TT are you using?  Online or CD/Download?

[IreneS]

I've added instructions on deleting a form to my original answer.  Just delete the 1099-MISC and you should be able to efile.