1099-NEC for a paid internship

[JAAcker]

After completing a paid internship last year I received a 1099-NEC which was strange to me because I was generally considered part of the company as opposed to one of the contractors. In filing my taxes I'm asked to list myself as a small business which causes me to owe a small business tax. Is there a more appropriate way to file so I don't have to pay that? 

[ZoltanB45]

Did you get a chance to look at your paystubs to see if they were withholding taxes and paying their share of self-employment tax? If they were, then go back to them and ask why they sent a 1099. However, since you received a 1099, the income would be subject to self employment tax. 

The good thing is that you can deduct some expenses you had related to the job. A W-2 job would not allow you to do that. I am attaching a link that has some common expenses you may use. Take a look and see if any apply.

common business expenses