I participated in a government research study at the local Veterans Administration hospital. I was just hooked up to machines and did not work. Do I owe anything?

[Disabled-Veteran]

The VA study I participated in was focused on reducing chronic pain through breathing exercises. I went 10 times and was paid $40 each visit for a total of $400, which included compensation for travel. I did not receive a form in the mail from the government that said I owed anything...do I owe any taxes? Thank you!

[JohnW15 · Accepted solution]

You'll need to report this income on your return, even if you didn't receive a tax document for it. 

Income for participating in a clinical trial or medical study is taxable, but if this activity is infrequent, which would appear to be your situation, the income wouldn't be subject to self-employment income tax.

Please see TurboTaxTeresaM's previous answer, below, for TurboTax entry guidance.  The "If you did not receive a Form 1099-MISC" header would apply to your situation.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6097880