1099-MISC - Received a Patent Reward

[Starbucks123]

Hi,

I work for a large aerospace corporation who gives cash rewards for filing patents with the company (not to be confused with royalties from the patent...). I received a 1099-MISC for this "other income" and it is over $600. However, when I'm inputting this into my Turbo Tax, it keeps forcing me to fill out a Schedule C form and treats the income like it is my own personal business. Can anyone assist me with this? Am I suppose to fill out a Schedule C form? Thank you!

[DawnC · Accepted solution]

Is the income in Box 3?   If so, you do not need a schedule C.  When you enter the 1099-MISC - do not answer that this income is for your regular work, but rather indicate it is a prize not related to your work and not an intent to make money.  

To enter a 1099-MISC in TurboTax:

1. Open or continue your return, if you're not already in it.
2. Search for 1099-misc and select the Jump-to link.
3. Answer Yes to Did you get a 1099-MISC?
   • If you already entered a 1099-MISC, you'll be on the 1099-MISC Summary screen, in which case select Add Another 1099-MISC.
   • If you need to edit or delete a previously-entered 1099-MISC, select the appropriate button.
4. Enter the info from your form into the corresponding boxes

[Carl]

Reporting 1099-MISC (box 3) that is not self-employment income

Under the Wages & Income tab (or Personal Income tab) scroll down to Other Common Income and elect to start/update Income from form 1099-MISC. Then click YES to indicate you have a 1099-MISC.

Enter the 1099-MISC exactly as printed, and then Continue.

Enter the reason you got this money – be it scholarship, bonus, streaking butt naked across the 50 yard line of the super bowl, whatever. Then continue.

Select None of these apply, then Continue.

Select No, it didn’t involve work….. and Continue.

Select ONLY the tax year for which this specific 1099-MISC was issued. Do not select the year that you received the 1099. Select the year for which the 1099-MISC was issued. Select no other year. Then Continue.

Select No, it didn’t involve an intent to earn money, then Continue.

Select NO, then Continue.

Click the DONE button, and that does it.

[Starbucks123]

Thank you, all!