I worked in 2019 for a county appraisal review board hearing tax protests. I was paid by the appraisal district. They trained me and provided extensive instruction on how to perform my duties; provided the tools and equipment for the work; and determined how, when, and where to do the work. They paid me on a regular basis - I did not bill them for the work. They did not take deductions from my pay, and reported my earnings on a 1099-misc, box 7. My coworkers and I were told in advance that although we were not self-employed, our earnings would be reported as if we were. I followed instructions addressing this in previous questions ("Why is the 1099-MISC being reported as a Business...") so the compensation is shown on schedule 1, line 8, as other income. Here's my new problem: I want to contribute to an IRA, but Turbo Tax does not consider this to be earned income. This was not passive or investment income - I earned it by showing up for work. I do not have other earned income so it's important that this be considered earned. Is there a way to address this in TurboTax?
