Claiming MN Frontline Worker Pay on TurboTax Free Edition

[pv3677]

1,025,655 people in Minnesota applied and were approved for Frontline Worker Pay.  I just found out recently that this is taxable income, and by searching through the previous questions here about it, I learned that we need to use the 1099-MISC form to claim it.  I’m someone who almost always has what TurboTax considers a simple tax return, and am able to file with the free edition.  However, the 1099-MISC form isn’t included in the free edition, so TurboTax says I have to upgrade to Deluxe for $78 just to claim the frontline pay.  I think this situation should be an exception and a free upgrade to the Deluxe version.  Is there anything that can be done about this or does everyone in Minnesota who uses TurboTax to claim frontline pay need to pay the $78?

[DaveF1006]

You can try to file this as other income and possibly workaround the requirement to file this as 1099-MISC income.  Try this and let us know if this is successful.

1. Go to federal>income and expenses>all income>>show more 
2. Less Common Income> Start
3. Miscellaneous Income,>start
4. Other reportable income>start
5. Next screen asks Any Other Taxable Income>yes
6. The next screen will allow you to report the income with a brief explanation.
7. Describe this as Minnesota Front line Worker pay and then record the amount

[pv3677]

Ok, thanks for the idea, I will try this tomorrow morning and let you know how it goes. 

[pv3677]

Ok, I just tried your suggestion, and I get the same message “To accurately complete your taxes, you need to upgrade to TurboTax Deluxe”.   

[crystaldawn23]

This way worked for me! Thank you so much!!

[JamesG1]

To enter Minnesota Frontline Worker, follow these steps:

• Down the left side of the screen, click Federal.
• Down the left side of the screen, click Wages & Income.
• Click Show more to the right of Less Common Income.
• Select Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A.
• Select Other reportable Income.
• As a description enter MN Frontline Worker Pay.

In the Minnesota tax return, remove the income at the screen Frontline Worker Pay.

[Jayson S]

I put the income in the federal like you said but when I got to the state it said to put the money you received only if you claimed in federal. You said to not do that?

[BillM223]

I don't see where anyone said "not to do that", but no matter.

In both Dave's and James' suggestions, you are claiming the income on the federal return, so that you will back it off (i.e., subtract it off) the state return.

@Jayson S

[Jayson S]

How do I subtract it in the state? It asks the amount I claimed in federal by putting it in this is automatically subtracted? Im confused 

[BillM223]

Yes, on the Minnesota screen that asks you for the Frontline Worker Pay, enter as a positive number the amount that you added to federal income as Frontline Worker Pay (wherever you entered it). This amount will be subtracted from your state income.

[Jayson S]

I appreciate the quick response thank you very much 

[Jsperl]

I inputted the information and it is telling me I need a EIN number for this can I just leave that blank?

[ErnieS0]

You may be entering your Minnesota Frontline Worker Payment in the wrong place.

Here’s how to enter your Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay in TurboTax.

To add Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay to federal:

1. Select Federal in the left column
2. Tap Wages & Income
3. Scroll down to Less Common Income
4. Select Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C
5. Select Other reportable Income
6. Say Yes to “Any Other Taxable Income”
7. On “Other Taxable Income,” enter MN Frontline as the description and the amount

To remove Minnesota Frontline Worker Pay from your MN return:

1. Continue in Minnesota until you see the screen “Frontline Worker Pay”
2. Enter the Payment Amount (Do not enter an amount unless the payment was included in your federal income)

To learn more about Frontline Worker Pay.

@Jsperl

[mollyshwiff]

Thank you for the instructions, however, it still wants me to upgrade to the Deluxe addition.  How do I avoid this.

[ErnieS0]

You will have to upgrade to Deluxe to enter other income.

Minnesota says you may be able to file for free on these sites: Free Electronic Filing.

@millyshwiff