Joint ownership of patent after divorce

[DS-CA]

My ex and I jointly own a patent and we each get paid half of the royalty.  I'm filing Single.  Why does TurboTax call it an error when I select Owned jointly on the Schedule E Worksheet?  Doesn't seem to make a difference either way to the bottom line but technically shouldn't it be selected to indicate why I'm only claiming part of the income?

[Anonymous]

a more important question is do you get a 1099 only for your 50%?  

after divorce i would not answer joint ownership.    that's meant for when filing a joint return. 

[DS-CA]

Thanks @Anonymous . No 1099...yet. I'll uncheck the box.

[Scorpion1 · Accepted solution]

Along with Unchecking the joint option I would also keep some relevant documentation in the absence of a 1099 or K1, in case I get questioned by the IRS on such reporting, if I were you, off course 😊. 

[DS-CA]

@Scorpion1 Thanks, yes. Statements from licensee and divorce agreement.  

[JohnB5677]

I also suggest you retain copies of checks and deposits.