@Candyfoot88 wrote:
Last year my solar equipment stop collecting data during the very hot months of the year. This non-collection caused me to incur a very large electric bill. I filed a claim with the company, and they required me to include my yearly amount of electricity used at my residence. After waiting several months to receive my refund, I am now being told I have to submit a W9 in order to get reimbursed. This doesn't make sense to me as I am no an Independent Contractor therefore, I can't offset this amoun on my taxes, I file short form. Is this taxable income and if so how come?
The W-9 is used to collect your SSN to issue either a 1099-NEC (independent contractor income) OR a 1099-MISC (other taxable income). If the company reports the income on a 1099, you will have the opportunity to dispute that when you file your tax return.
I can't offer a suggestion about whether or not the payment is taxable without knowing a lot more details of your situation. Do you own the panels or lease them? What company did you make the claim with, the solar company or your electric utility? What is your usual arrangement, do you get paid for the electricity you generate or does it just offset your usage from the grid?
