Here are the instructions I use to get to that section, but you do need to answer “No,
it didn’t involve an intent to earn money.” Follow the instructions carefully step-by-step.
On the screen BEFORE this question, be sure to select "None of these apply.” at the bottom of the
list for “Does one of these uncommon situations apply?
On the screen AFTER this question, be sure to select only 2018 as the year you received the 1099-MISC.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Sign into your account and return. Click the “Pick up where
I left off” bar
Click on Federal
on the left side-bar, then Wages &
Income along the top.
When you get to the Income section (you may need to click "Show All Income" first)
Scroll down to Other Common Income and Click
Show more
Click Start or Revisit for Form
1099-MISC
Enter a description
for the non-work income, such as “Legal Benefit” for the reason and Continue
Click “None of these apply.” at the bottom of
the list for “Does one of these uncommon situations apply? And Continue
Answer “No,
it didn’t involve work like my main job.” on the next screen and Continue.
Click the year
you got the reward and Continue (if you received this income for more than 2 years, the IRS
will consider it as self-employment)
Answer “No, it didn’t involve an intent to earn
money.” on the next screen and continue.
Do you have another
1099-MISC? Click No and Continue
Click Done.
The income will show as a line item on line 21 of Schedule 1
of the 1040 and not as Self-employment.
