Received a bonus check written from business account. Not included on W-2. Did not receive a 1099-MISC. Declared it as miscellaneous income. Do I need to submit an SS-8?

[DavidS127 · Accepted solution]

More information may help resolve your issue.  For example, did you have other income from this company and if so how was that income reported to you (e.g., W-2 or 1099-MISC)?

If you were paid for work you did for the company, it should be reported on either Form W-2 or Form 1099-MISC.  If your other pay was reported on a W-2, you need to request a corrected W-2 (W-2C) that adds the bonus amount. 

If your other pay was reported on a Form 1099-MISC, you should get a corrected Form 1099.  If you fall into this category, you are being treated as an independent contractor, and your income (including the bonus) should be reported as income from self-employment on Schedule C.

The Form SS-8 is used to ask the IRS to make a determination of whether you are an employee who should receive a W-2 or an independent contractor who should receive a 1099-MISC.  Ideally the company would report your income to you correctly without the need for a Form SS-8. For more information, see this IRS website about Form SS-8.