I tried to declare this income but Trubo tax requires an EIN from the company and I cant get the company to respond to me. Also I an not set up as a business or self employed.
It depends on what the payment was for. If it was work-related, the employer should have 1) withheld taxes and issued you a W2 or 2) issue you a 1099-MISC as an independent contractor, in which case you file as self-employed and pay self-employment tax.
I know I need a 1099. But what do you do if you can’t get the company to issue one?
So are you wanting to file as self-employed and do you have any proof that this payment was made, such as a canceled check?
Yes I suppose I need to file as self employed - even though I received only check. And I did keep the canceled check
You do NOT need a 1099-misc or the company's EIN.
Although it may be news to you that you “have a business”, the IRS considers undocumented cash income (no W-2 or 1099-MISC), for work performed, to be self employment income. You report the income from your own records. Enter at "Business Income & Expenses" and TurboTax (TT) will complete Schedule C or C-EZ for you and allow you to deduct any expenses associated with this income. You'll also have to pay self employment tax (social security & medicare tax) on any profits greater than $400.