Amazon Vine and Long Term Disability

[waynescopeland]

Hello! I'm currently medically disabled through Social Security and on Long Term Disability through my employer. I was recently selected to take part in the Amazon Vine program but I'm not sure how that will work for me. I haven't had to file taxes in several years because of the disability and I realize that the products you receive from Vine are taxable income. But I'm not sure how that works affect me and the disability since I cannot make above a certain amount of money for both the Social Security and the Long Term Disability. I've read that under $600, you don't have to file but I don't know how it will apply since I don't normally have to file anyways. Could someone help me out with as much information as possible? Thank you so much in advance!

[Critter-3]

If you get a 1099-K for $600 or more you WILL be required to file a return.  

How do I enter a 1099-K in TurboTax Online?

You’ll enter the income reported on your Form 1099-K as 'Additional income' along with any cash or checks you received as self-employment income.

Here's how to enter your 1099-K:

1. Open your return.
   (To do this, log in to TurboTax and select the blue Take me to my return button.)
2. Do a search for "Schedule C" and then select "Jump to" link in the search results.
3. Next:
   • If entering info about your business for the first time:
     You'll be asked some general questions about your business. After you answer them, you’ll be taken to the Let's get income for (your type of business) screen where you can enter your 1099-K under Additional Income.
   • If returning to this section:
     Select Edit next to your business, answer any other screens, and you'll come to the Let's get income for (your type of business) screen, where you can enter your 1099-K under Additional income.

If you are entering income from a 1099-K, remember that it reports the gross amount of the transactions. It doesn't include any adjustments for credits, refunds, discounts, fees, etc. You’ll have a chance to enter any business expenses like fees and all other expenses in another part of your return.

[rjs]

Since Amazon Vine is self-employment, you are required to file a tax return if your income is $400 or more, whether or not you get a Form 1099-K. Amazon is not required to send you a 1099-K if you make less than $600, but you have to file and report the income if you make $400 or more.

One of the requirements for receiving Social Security disability benefits is that your disability makes you unable to support yourself by working. I don't know what kind of work you can do or how much you can make before they decide that you are no longer disabled. I suggest that you call Social Security at 800-772-1213 and ask them about it. Note that the rules for working while receiving disability benefits are different from the rules for working while receiving retirement benefits.

We have no way of knowing what the rules are for your Long Term Disability. You have to contact the insurance company that provides the coverage and ask them.