I didn't realize we'd be getting the 1099-NEC because I thought that work was from 2020, but I was incorrect. The company that issued the 1099 was the same that issued my w-2, (but turbo tax is now making us file self-employment and pay a substantial amount of money to them just to amend the taxes with this form. I want to pay the government what we owe, but paying this amount to turbotax makes no sense. We already paid a substantial amount out of pocket to turbotax and I'd love not to pay a lot more just to fix a mistake. I'm also concerned about late fees and penalties.) Basically, I'm asking if I need to just file an amendment and suck it up about the fees, or if there's any other option. Happy to give any more information if needed. Thanks!
If your original return did not include self-employment income then when you amend to include the 1099NEC you need to upgrade to Self-Employed if you are going to enter schedule C business expenses. In that event you will pay the difference between your fee for the software used for the original return and the amended return.