As a musician, do I input my expenses and write off in both the business section and the Job Related Expenses section as a Qualified Performer? Or which one?

[columbiajonesmus]

Last year as a musician I played over 100 gigs in 13 states and (unfortunately) had a gross income of just under $16,000. It would seem I qualify as a Qualified Performer. However I don't have a W-2 andit asks for my income as reported on my W-2. Additionally I kept close watch and recorded most of my expenses and income throughout the year and inputted all of that information into the business section of Turbo Tax.

Should I remove all of that information from the Business section and simply add it into the Job-Related Expenses section? I'm getting worried because I am inputting expenses my refund is growing. I've got to be doing something wrong.

[VolvoGirl]

No.  The other way.  You should be filling out schedule C for self employment.  You enter all your income and expenses on schedule C in the Business tab.  Do not enter it as job related expenses.  That is only for W2 income and has actually been eliminated for 2018.  

Even though you are reducing your income and might not owe any regular income tax on your Net Profit, you still owe the self employment tax on any Net Profit.  

Switch to Forms Mode and look at the 1040 and schedule C and the other schedules 1-6 and see what you owe for.