Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 7:43:01 PM

I worked as an election official this year. Where/how do I report my earnings?

I earned $268.50. I was told that these are exempt wages where no taxes were taken out. Where/how do I report.

0 2 5080
2 Replies
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:43:03 PM

Firstly, here is a link to determine if your election earnings are in fact tax exempt. https://www.irs.gov/government-entities/federal-state-local-governments/election-workers-reporting-a...

If they are taxable, the IRS considers  undocumented cash income (no W-2 or 1099-MISC), for work performed, to be self employment income. 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) on any profits greater than $400.

You may have to upgrade to the Home & Business version of TT. There's a chance you may be able to use TT Deluxe or Premier. Enter your income at the 1099-Misc screen (even if you didn't get a 1099-misc). For details, see https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901317-schedule-c-ez-net-profit-from-a-business

If the income was for something other that work or services, where it is entered depends on the source. But, in general, "other income " is reported on line 21 of form 1040. In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

- Federal Taxes tab (Personal in  Home & Business)

 - Wages & Income

-          “I’ll choose what I work on” Button

Scroll down to:

-Less Common Income

      -Misc Income, 1099-A, 1099-C.

       -The next screen will give you several choices. if none fit, choose "Other reportable Income". You will reach a                  screen where you can type a description of the income and the amount.

Returning Member
Feb 24, 2023 5:06:40 PM

Yes, I've been down that path and entered it as 1099-MISC, with no 1099-MISC form. Now I must also fill out a Form SS-8, burdensome to complete and mostly not applicable to Election Workers, but the IRS Paper Monster must be fed.  I'm using TT DeLuxe 2022.