I do not own or operate a business, I do not want to or need to create a schedule C. How can I change this and make it go away?

[Critter-3]

1. With your return open, search for this exact phrase: business (schedule c) (include the parentheses) and then click the "Jump to" link in the search results.
2. Answer Yes when asked if you had (or want to work on) business income and expenses.
   • That's right – you'll need to answer Yes, even though it doesn't make sense.
   • If you're being forced to upgrade to Home & Business, contact us for further assistance.
3. When you get to the Business info or Business Summary screen, click Delete next to the unwanted business.
4. Answer Yes to confirm the removal of all business-related forms.

[TomD8]

@jordanfarmer99 --

Did you receive a 1099-NEC?  If so, the IRS considers that income to be self-employed business income, which is reported on Schedule C.

[Denisev1220]

Does your W-2 have the box "statutory employee" checked? If so, it actually goes on a Schedule C. The advantage is that you can deduct expenses.

[Carl]

If you are paid in cash and/or sent a 1099-NEC reporting income paid to you, as far as the IRS is concerned that is self-employment income. It gets reported on SCH C. The tax payer has no say in that.

There are a few exceptions depending on what box on the 1099-NEC the income is reported in. For example, a scholarship or grant may be reported on the 1099, and if you answer the questions correctly in TurboTax to indicate that, a SCH C will not be generated.