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Level 1
posted Feb 17, 2025 7:32:53 PM

I have an entry for 1099-Misc which is for interest earned on securities. How do I phrase that so it doesn't think it is work related?

0 7 799
7 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 18, 2025 6:57:33 AM

If you received a 1099-MISC for interest income, it should be in Box 8, Substitute Payments.  How you "phrase" your description won't determine how it's reported.  How you enter it will.  To report in TurboTax Online, make sure you are logged in and working in your return:

  • Click on "Federal" on the left of your screen
  • Select Wages & income
  • Scroll down to "Other Common Income"
  • Select "Form 1099-MISC" and click on Start/Revisit
  • Answer "Yes" to "Did you get a 1099-MISC?"
  • Enter the information on your 1099-MISC, and check the box for "My form has other info in boxes 1-18"

The amount will be reported as Other Income on Schedule 1 (1040) line z.

 

Level 1
Feb 20, 2025 7:31:53 AM

Thanks David.  Once I put the item into other income, it then asks me for a reason for the entry.  If I put in anything, it then assumes it is for "self employment" and wants to move it there.  If I leave it blank, it then asks me again in the final review.  Is it ok to leave it blank?

Expert Alumni
Feb 20, 2025 7:41:07 AM

Yes, it is OK to leave it blank.  

Level 3
Apr 6, 2025 2:35:34 PM

Can you respond with how to fill in the next questions of Describe reasons for this 1099-Misc?

Can you respond how we avoid questions related to type of self employment?

Can we just interrupt review error?

 

 

Expert Alumni
Apr 6, 2025 3:42:20 PM

To enter income from a Form 1099-MISC that is not from self-employment, in TurboTax Online, enter Form 1099-MISC information in the section to which it pertains. In Wages and Income, there are several locations where you can enter a Form 1099-MISC.

 

If you enter Form 1099-MISC in the Other Common Income section, at the screen "Does one of these uncommon situations apply?", a list of options appears from which you can select that includes reasons for Form 1099-MISC other than self-employed income.

 

In the alternative, you can enter the amount under Other Reportable Income. In TurboTax Online:

 

  1. Go to Wages and Income
  2. Scroll down to Less Common Income
  3. Go to Miscellaneous Income
  4. Select Other Reportable Income and follow the prompts. Enter a description for the reason for the payment.

If you are in Review, you can return to the Income section to make any needed changes.

 

@BigTegan 

Level 3
Apr 7, 2025 5:24:04 PM

 

If you enter Form 1099-MISC in the Other Common Income section, at the screenDoes one of these uncommon situations apply?"

none of those are accurate. 

 

In the alternative, you can enter the amount under Other Reportable Income. In TurboTax Online:

Go to Wages and Income Scroll down to Less Common Income Go to Miscellaneous Income Select Other Reportable Income and follow the prompts. Enter a description for the reason for the payment.

this then goes down the path of reportable income, and will generate a schedule C.

 

If you are in Review, you can return to the Income section to make any needed changes 

Can you detail specific accurate instructions. For special dividends?

 

Expert Alumni
Apr 7, 2025 6:37:37 PM

You can enter the 1099-MISC and not have it create a Schedule C, if you answer the questions so that TurboTax doesn't "think" it represents self-employment.

 

If you enter it in the 1099-MISC section, you have the option to select that none of the description choices applies, and then to enter your own explanation. Say "no" to the question about it involving work and "no" to the question about it involving an intent to earn money.

 

If you put it in Miscellaneous Income, Other Reportable Income, it does say not to put a 1099-MISC there but you can make the entry there. It just asks for a description and amount and doesn't have follow up questions.

 

@BigTegan