How to I report "above the line" deductions from a 1099-Misc reported income from a class action employment lawsuit settlement?

[cbergstc]

Recently, as part of a class action employment lawsuit, I received a 1099-Misc form reporting lawyer fees as income.  These are supposed to be "above the line" deductions (see codes 62(A)(20) and 62(E)).  How do I deduct these from my income?

[PatriciaV · Accepted solution]

The legal fees associated with Unlawful Discrimination Claims must be entered directly on the "Other Adjustments to Income Smart Worksheet" Line H. 

To do this, you must use a TurboTax CD/Download Product (any version). This entry cannot be made in TurboTax Online. See this post for more help: How do I switch from TurboTax Online to the TurboTax software?

Open your return in TurboTax for desktop. Click the "Forms" icon in the header (or go to Forms in the menu bar).

Once in Forms Mode, click on Form 1040 in the left column. Scroll down to Line 36. Immediately above, on the Smart Worksheet, enter "UDC" on Line H and the amount of your attorney fees (see screenshot below - click to enlarge). This entry is "above the line" for your Adjusted Gross Income.

[kellymc]

Why would this not be available in the online version?

[PatriciaV]

Most likely because these fees are very uncommon.

[mwollert]

Perhaps this thread is out of date, but there is not a line 36 on Form 1040 any longer. Only 24 lines now.

Any idea where to report "Above the line" legal fess on a lawsuit in the tax year 2019 Turbo Tax