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New Member
posted Apr 7, 2025 6:51:42 PM

Turbotax asks to apply for Employer Identification Number

Hello,

 

I'm stuck at this step while continuing to finish my federal taxes.

 

EIN

Is this because I reported some amount in the 1099-MISC section? I received points from my credit card for referring a friend (which is not the usual sign-on bonus). Though I didn't receive any 1099-MISC from my bank as the amount is less $600, I did however report it in the 1099-MISC section to avoid any issues.

 

I'm not self-employed and I do not own a business. What is the best option I have? Do I need to delete the 1099-MISC section? 

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1 Replies
Level 15
Apr 7, 2025 7:56:30 PM

@KoushikD , I am missing something here.

Generally points  are not cash or illiquid and  mostly not taxable.  My position on these is that these r=are not transferrable but can be used to reduce your personal expense  ( when purchasing something ).   Thus not taxable income.

The bank , giving you a credit in your account  for referring a client, is transferrable amount -- it is cash and thus  taxable income, whether a 1099- INT is issued or not .  Credit Unions often call this  dividend.  IRS calls all these  as interest.  So report as interest -- ordinary income.

 But yea if you  get a 1099-MISC, you have to recognize the income  ( because this is  an expense  on the  entity side ).

Does this make sense  -- or am I in the left field ?