Yes, it's taxable income and simply ignoring it will likely trigger an automated underreporting notice (CP2000) later. Here is the best way to handle this while keeping the IRS deliriously happy.
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Yes, it's taxable income and simply ignoring it will likely trigger an automated underreporting notice (CP2000) later. Here is the best way to handle this while keeping the IRS deliriously happy.
Step 1: Enter the 1099-MISC as "Other Income"
You must enter the form exactly as received to prevent the IRS from flagging your return for a mismatch.
Open your return and go to Federal > Wages & Income.
Scroll down to Other Common Income and select Start/Revisit next to Income from Form 1099-MISC.
Enter the information exactly as it appears on your form (Payer name, ID, and the amount in Box 8).
Crucial Step: TurboTax will ask a series of questions to determine if this is "business" income. Answer as follows:
Describe the reason: Enter "Substitute payment in lieu of dividends."
Does one of these uncommon situations apply? Select None of these apply.
Did it involve work like your main job? Select No.
How often did you get it? Select I got it in 2025 (or the relevant year).
Did it involve an intent to earn money? Select No.
This ensures the amount lands on Schedule 1, Line 8z, rather than triggering a Schedule C for self-employment tax.
Step 2: Create the Negative Adjustment (The "Offset")
Now you tell TurboTax that this specific amount is a non-taxable Return of Capital.
Stay in the Wages & Income section.
Scroll to the very bottom to Less Common Income and select Start/Revisit next to Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C.
Select Start/Revisit next to Other reportable income (the last option in the list).
When asked "Any Other Taxable Income?" select Yes.
Description: Enter "Nontaxable Return of Capital reported on 1099-MISC Box 8".
Amount: Enter the amount as a negative number (e.g., -500.00).
Click Continue.
As an FYI, since you are treating this as a Return of Capital, you are legally required to reduce your cost basis in the underlying stock by the amount of that payment.
If you bought the stock for $1,000 and received $50 in ROC, your new basis is $950.
You don't pay tax now, but you will pay more in capital gains (or have a smaller loss) when you eventually sell the shares.