1099-misc from court tv show?

Question

I received a 1099-MISC for money won in a civil suit on a court tv show (Judge Maria Lopez). There is $1400 in box 7 (Nonemployee compensation). I figured I need to fill out schedule C-EZ, schedule SE, and 1040. (Let me know if I'm wrong about that). My question is, what should I put on line A for business and what business code should I use for box B? I was thinking 999999, for unclassified establishments.

I'm pretty sure I need to attach a schedule C or C-EZ and a schedule SE for this kind of income, for social security holdings or self employment tax. Hopefully somebody can clarify this because the self employment tax on that is $198. It would be nice if I didn't have to claim it, but I really think I do. And I still don't know what to put for A and B on the C-EZ.

Answer 1

This money is not compensation for services rendered, it is more like winning a contest.

I would include this amount on Line 21, "Payment for Court TV Appearance". You should indicate that this income is not subject to self-employment tax, as you are not in the business of appearing on TV shows for money.

Answer 2

Pay no attention to Joseph H - he doen't know what he's talking about in regard to your question.

You're right for the C-EZ, and SE - that's what you do with non-employee compensation, so unfortunately you're stuck with the self-employment tax.

For business code, 999999 sounds as good as any - I don't see anything on the list of specific codes that really fits or even comes close.

Answer 3

You can include the 1099 income on the EZ form on line 1. You do not need to file on a 1040.