How do I report a 1099-misc income I didn't get?

[cbergstc]

Last year I received a 1099-Misc from a court settlement.  I received a W-2 at the same time representing my wages.  But 100% of the funds shown on the 1099-Misc went to lawyer fees.  How do I report this?

[Marketstar · Accepted solution]

To deduct legal fees, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A, and the sum total of your miscellaneous deductions including your legal fees must exceed 2% of your Adjusted Gross Income.

Given the above limitations you may not be able to benefit from your legal expenses.

To enter legal fees:

• Type in legal expenses, deduction the search box, top right of your screen, then click the magnifying glass

• Click the jump to legal expenses, deduction link in the search results

• Follow to prompts and online instructions

To report the income. type in lawsuit settlement in the search box and follow the above instructions.

[Marketstar]

Would you please advise  as to why you found the above answer unhelpful.?

[cbergstc]

My fault.  I didn't word my question clearly.  This was not money I received that I paid to lawyers.  The 1099-Misc was reporting the lawyers fees AS income.  I never saw a cent of it.  A letter I got with the 1099-Misc said it was an above the line deduction not a Schedule A deduction.  I resubmitted my question and got the answer I needed.  Thank you for your quick response.

[Marketstar]

Glad you have your question resolved. If you would consider reversing your down vote, we would be grateful.

[Marketstar]

Thank you !