First, the income your wife received as an independent contractor, having received income reported on Form 1099-Misc, is considered
income from self-employment and is therefore classified as business income that needs to be reported on Schedule C of your return.
Your wife's name will be entered as the business name. The business start date will be the date she first performed the work as an independent contractor and the end date will be the date when she ceased being an independent contractor.
Your research is correct. Self-employed income is qualified business income and does qualify for the QBI (Qualified Business Income Deduction).
