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Level 2
April 2, 2026
Question

settlement and no 1099

  • April 2, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 57 views

I recived a settlement and with that they requested a W2 for taxes. The insuance company never sent any tax documents for the settlement. how would I enter the amount in Turbo tax without any document?

    3 replies

    CatinaT1
    Level 15
    April 3, 2026

    What is the settlement for? It's possible it's not taxable if no 1099 was issued. 

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    flippitAuthor
    Level 2
    April 5, 2026

    Hello, 

    The settlement was from a misrepresentation of a sale. I received $5k. and had to sign a NDA. since there is no 1099 do I need to show it?

    Level 2
    April 6, 2026

    Whether the amount of the legal settlement needs to be reported as taxable income depends on what it represents.

     

    If you received punitive damages, this would be taxable income, and often a Form 1099-MISC would be issued. 

     

    Property settlements for losses in the value of a property that are less than the adjusted basis of your property are not taxable and generally do not need to be reported on your tax return. However, you must reduce your basis in the property by the amount of the settlement. If the property settlement exceeds your adjusted basis in the property, the excess is income. 

     

    So, if the settlement reimbursed you for the amount you overpaid for something, that could be considered nontaxable and you would adjust your basis in what you purchased. If the settlement included an additional amount for punitive damages, that amount would be taxable.

     

    If any of the amount represented back wages, that would be taxable and should have been reported on Form W-2.

     

    See this help article for instructions for entering a taxable legal settlement in TurboTax.

     

    See IRS Publication 4345 for more information.


    If any of the settlement is taxable as damages but isn't for work you completed, you can enter it under Other Reportable Income. In TurboTax Online:

     

    1. Go to Wages and Income
    2. Scroll down to Less Common Income
    3. Go to Miscellaneous Income
    4. Select Other Reportable Income and follow the prompts. Enter a description of the reason for the payment.

    @flippit