I received Adsense money, and it's asking me to upgrade to self-employed, but I'm not.

I have a full time job and I make money from Adsense from a YouTube channel I enjoy doing, I've already added the w2 from my job. I am trying to add a 1099-MISC, but it's asking me to upgrade my filing to self-employed.

I'm not. I am aware that I handle my YouTube/AdSense account but without sounding too frustrated, I find it silly that I need to pay an additional amount for ONE 1099 form.

Is there another place I can report this? Or do I just have to deal with paying the additional fee for the "self-employment" option, just because I decided to make money off a YT channel?

1347

Expert Alumni

Jan 28, 2023 5:55:40 PM

Your AdSense earnings may be considered either royalties or self-employment income, both of which require you to upgrade. I'm not familiar with AdSense's pay structure.

For an explanation of the difference between royalties and self-employment income, see Tax Expert Alumni @IreneS’ answer in Non-professional royalties - schedule C or Schedule E? Definitive answer required.

Depending on the amount of income, your YouTube income may also be considered hobby income, rather than royalty or self-employment income.

Here’s what the IRS says:

Earning side income: Is it a hobby or a business?

To enter hobby income:

Instead, tap Federal in the left column
Select Wages & Income at the top
Go to Less Common Income
Start Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C
Select Hobby income and expenses

Level 7

Jan 28, 2023 7:01:00 PM

There are free sites on the IRS website that you can use , a lot like TurboTax but free.

Why sign in to the Community?

I received Adsense money, and it's asking me to upgrade to self-employed, but I'm not.