Survey income

[magplar1]

I am confused on where to enter the $743 I made doing surveys last year. I didn't receive any forms. It's not self employment income. I tried to also do it under "Other common income: 1099-MISC" but when I try that it asks me if I received a 1099-MISC and since I did not receive one I put no, and then it exits that form, as if to say it doesn't apply to me.

My last resort is to probably file it under "Less common income & then Miscellaneous Income"... is that correct? Or is there something else or some other way I should be doing it?

[JohnB5677]

Yes, you are in the right area.

1. Scroll to Less common income
2. Select Miscellaneous Income 1099-A, 1099-C [Start / Revisit]
3. Then select Other income not already reported on a Form W-2 or Form 1099
4. This is Other Earned Income so select Yes
5. Continue through the interview

[magplar1]

Hi, thanks for the reply. When I do what you suggested it goes to a page where it says 'wages earned as a household employee' and asks me a bunch of questions related to an employer that make me feel like this is not the right area. Wouldn't it better to do it under 'Less common income> Miscellaneous> Other reportable income ?

[JosephS1]

Yes, in my opinion, it would be better the way you would like to go. The following steps should help:

1. Click on Start or revisit at Other Reportable income
2. Answer Yes to Any other reportable income
3. Enter the description and amount, click continue
4. Check to make sure the item is listed and in the correct amount and if so click done.

That should add the survey fee to your income and you should be all set.

One caution however is that it appears from your question the survey fees made by you were earned as an individual.  IRS regulations stipulate that payments to an individual over $600 must be sent a 1099.  1099's were required to be received by you by January 31, but we all know the postal service has had some serious delays.  If you are certain no 1099 will appear then follow the steps above but I admit I am also curious why it would not be considered self-employment if you were paid by a firm to perform surveys.

@magplar1 

[magplar1]

The company that owns the site is not based in the US. I believe it's another country which is why they probably wouldn't send a 1099. The reason I think it's not self employment is because it really isn't. I'd consider it something I do once in a great while, not a job really. When I was trying to go that route and claim it as self employment it was asking me lots of questions as if I really was employed and again, it doesn't seem correct.

[AliciaP1]

Not being classified as self-employed is not just because you do it infrequently or because you don't consider it a job.  If you perform surveys with the intent to earn money, you could be considered self-employed. See Am I considered self-employed? to be sure your activities do not qualify.

@magplar1 

[Patty581]

Yes I am having this same problem I work for 3 survey companies one I did not start can not file til next year the other 2 which they said I can not file I made one for $475 and other $592 doesn't that mean I can still file my taxes? they had me fill out the 1099 and they said the IRS said I had to make $600 so if I have those both I done made $1065 please answer this thank you.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you have to report all your income.  They don't have to send you the 1099NEC for less than $600 but you still need to report the income.  You need to keep track of your own income.

You are considered self employed and have to fill out a schedule C for business income. You use your own name, address and ssn or business name and EIN if you have one. You should say you use the Cash Accounting Method and all income is At Risk.  Just enter the total as Other self employment income or as Cash or General income.  You will need to pay Self Employment tax on it in addition to any regular income tax.

You can enter Self Employment Income into Online Deluxe but if you have any expenses you will have to upgrade to Premium version. Or use any of the Desktop CD/Download programs.

How to enter income from Self Employment
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/self-employed/help/how-do-i-report-income-from-self-employment/00/...

[Mike9241]

they don't have to issue 1099s because for each, your earnings were under $600. However, you must report this income on your tax return - schedule C because the total is over $400.  if this is your only income you shouldn't have an income tax but you will have a self-employment tax  

[Patty581]

Yes it is self employment Surveys doing them at home and they had mone all messed up and will have you fill that out a W9 on the one I work for and IRS told me there not suppose to have you fill that out why cause it's self employment to me it needs to be W-2's instead of a W9 or a 1099 it's all income and earnings.