If my net loss for 1099-b is 12.96, do i still need to pay the premium for turbotax to report this? it would compound my loss by 200% to do so.

[shema-bishop]

Are there ways of not making this loss any worse?

[ColeenD3]

Yes, you need to report your 1099-B. It doesn't matter if you had a gain or loss. Paying for a tax program or a tax professional is not the same thing as having a loss. 

Form 1099-B (Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions) reports the sale of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities.

Form 1099-B is included in TurboTax Premier, TurboTax Live Premier, TurboTax Self-Employed, and TurboTax Live Self-Employed (online), and in all personal CD/Download versions of TurboTax.

Here's where you enter or import your 1099-B in TurboTax:

1. Open (continue) your return, if you haven't already
2. Locate the search bar. Search for 1099-B, then select the Jump to link in the search results
3. Select Okay! on the screen Time to kick off your investments! OR Yes on the screen Did you sell any of these investments? then Continue
   • If you see Your investments and savings or Your investment sales summary, select Add investments or Add more sales
4. When you reach Let's import your tax info, choose how you want to enter your 1099-B:
   • To import your form, select your brokerage or financial institution from the list. Enter your sign-in credentials for your account, then select Get my form
   • If you want to enter your 1099-B manually, select Enter a different way, then select your investment type on the next screen
5. On the following screens, answer the questions about your 1099-B
6. When you reach the Review your sales screen, the form you just entered should be listed
   • If you need to add another 1099-B, select Add another sale. Otherwise, Continue

[fanfare]

If you are not claiming a loss that you are entitled to that would reduce your tax (about $1-2 dollars) IRS is not going to bother you about it.