Skip to main content
Level 2
June 6, 2019
Solved

EIC for 1099-MISC Scholarship

  • June 6, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 32 views

We are married with 3 children filing taxes jointly. One of us is in graduate school and receives a full tuition scholarship (1098-T) while the other works part time (total yearly income <$5,000). We receive an additional $7,000 scholarship for room and board, which as we understand is a taxable scholarship. The school reports this scholarship on a 1099-MISC. How do we report this? Does the 1099-MISC apply for the Earned Income Credit?

Best answer by Hal_Al

Scholarships are not usually “earned income” for the EIC. On the other hand, scholarships are not usually reported on a 1099-Misc. Did you perform some service, like research or teaching, for the scholarship? Is the $ amount in box 7 or box 3 of the 1099-Misc? If box 7, then it is considered earned income. It is also considered self employment income and subject to self-employment (social security and Medicare) tax, in addition to income tax. It goes on schedule C, then line 12 of form 1040

If the amount is in box 3 of the 1099-Misc, it goes on line 21 of form 1040 as other income and is not eligible for the EIC

4 replies

Level 15
June 6, 2019
You never report your child's income on your return.  A child's income is reported on a return in the child's own name (except for certain investment income in special circumstances).  If your child has income and files a tax return this does not necessarily stop them from being your dependent or affect your eligibility for EIC.

Is the 1099-MISC for the taxable part of the scholarship being issued in your child's name or the parent's name?
Level 2
June 6, 2019
My husband is the one in graduated school. Our children are all 5 years and younger.
Hal_Al
Level 15
Hal_AlLevel 15Answer
Level 15
June 6, 2019

Scholarships are not usually “earned income” for the EIC. On the other hand, scholarships are not usually reported on a 1099-Misc. Did you perform some service, like research or teaching, for the scholarship? Is the $ amount in box 7 or box 3 of the 1099-Misc? If box 7, then it is considered earned income. It is also considered self employment income and subject to self-employment (social security and Medicare) tax, in addition to income tax. It goes on schedule C, then line 12 of form 1040

If the amount is in box 3 of the 1099-Misc, it goes on line 21 of form 1040 as other income and is not eligible for the EIC

Level 15
June 6, 2019
Nearly all graduate fellowships are unearned income and no "work" is being performed, even if part of your educational duties include showing up every day and writing papers or TA-ing a class (which "feels" like work, but is not "earned income because it is all still technically "education.")

Examples of earned income would be -- suppose your graduate program requires you to TA one course as part of your training.  But you are recruited to TA a second course because of a shortage.  Any payment for TA-ing the first course is unearned income but TA-ing the second course may be earned income.  (It would not be usual to receive a W-2 for that second course).  

The income should be reported in box 3 of the 1099-MISC and there is a checkbox for "fellowship income" on a page of special circumstances after you enter the form.

The scholarship amount is included in your adjusted gross income for purposes of determining your overall qualification for EIC but is not included in earned income for calculation of the EIC amount.
Level 11
June 6, 2019
**I don't work for TT. Just trying to help. All the best. . ***Say "Thanks" by marking as BEST ANSWER and clicking the thumb icon in a post and that I solved your question. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer" I am NOT an expert and you should confirm with a tax expert.