Is there any way to pay a smaller rate on 1099-MISC?

[adejulius]

I got a 1099 I was not expecting after I filed and received my return. I went in to amend is and I'm having to pay back what seems like a huge amount for how little I made. Wondering if there is any way to pay less or at a lesser rate? Any tips or tricks that could help me out? I'm worried that I don't have enough to write off for it to justify the $80 upgrade.

[Texas Roger]

You must pay around 15% self employment tax on your net 1099-MISC income in addition to ordinary income tax at your marginal tax rate. That's why the tax is so much. If you have expenses, you must enter them and upgrade to Self Employed to do it.