Because the income was reported on a 1099 NEC, the IRS treats that income as nonemployee compensation, even if you don't consider yourself self-employed. In TurboTax, you should enter the 1099-NEC as self-employment income so it is reported correctly.
This does not mean you are running a business, it simply matches how the income was reported. Reporting a 1099 NEC as other income instead of self-employment commonly results in IRS notices. Entering it this way allows TurboTax to calculate the taxes correctly and avoid issues, and you may be able to deduct expenses directly related to the stipend.
[Edited 02/01/2026 5:19 PM PST]
@DolphJack31
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