I have a 1099-NEC, why do I need to file out a schedule C? I don’t own the business.

[xmasbaby0]

If you received a 1099NEC the IRS considers you to be self-employed so you have to pay self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2926899-how-does-my-side-job-affect-my-taxes

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/self-employed/help/how-do-i-report-income-from-self-employment/00/...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/self-employed/help/what-is-the-self-employment-tax/00/25922

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2902389-why-am-i-paying-self-employment-tax

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901340-where-do-i-enter-schedule-c

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3398950-what-self-employed-expenses-can-i-deduct

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901110-do-i-need-to-make-estimated-tax-payments-to-the-irs

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/self-employed/

[JohnB5677]

In general, a 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation) form represents work that you did for someone else.  The IRS considers this a business.  As a business you can include any expenses.

IRS rule for 1099-NEC