topic CA Form 3801 - Why?? I have a W-2 and a 1099-NEC in State tax filing

CA Form 3801 - Why?? I have a W-2 and a 1099-NEC

Ctaxquestions — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:09:23 GMT

I received a 2021 W-2 from my full time employer. I also performed contract work from a side job so I received a 1099-NEC. I do not have my own business, I just did a bit of side work, but I can't file my CA state taxes as I need CA Form 3801. I've already filed my federal taxes. I don't understand why I need this CA Form 3801. What am I doing wrong with my state taxes? Please help.

Re: CA Form 3801 - Why?? I have a W-2 and a 1099-NEC

ThomasM125 — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 21:02:12 GMT

That form is used to report passive gains and losses. That can come about if you reported on passive activities, which can apply to your business if you did not materially participate in it. It can also apply to rental activities. If you don't have any rental activities entered on your federal tax return, I suggest you go back through your business entries and make sure you claimed that you actively participated in the business.

You can check this by editing your Business Profile and on the next page you will see Actively Participates under Special Situations, make sure that response is set to "Yes."

Re: CA Form 3801 - Why?? I have a W-2 and a 1099-NEC

Ctaxquestions — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:49:04 GMT

This worked! Thank you, @ThomasM125 !