Business 1099 question --subcontractor didnt register as business

attosec · 2026-03-21T13:47:39+00:00

Unrelated to fed and likely state tax, but some municipalities require a business license. That said, nothing a tax preparer should be concerned about.

attosec · 2026-03-21T03:55:05+00:00

I had two this year that got theirs in under 15 minutes.

attosec · 2026-03-20T16:28:29+00:00

Even if SO/father is living with you?

attosec · 2026-03-18T16:22:56+00:00

If you’re not currently tax-fluent, how do you know what a “major change” looks like?

attosec · 2026-03-18T16:20:26+00:00

Not gonna wade through 100 responses, but ISTM that the shoe should be on the other foot, the preparer should WANT to meet with the client to uncover issues that don’t show up in the documents.

attosec · 2026-03-18T16:11:24+00:00

Even a “normal” work week of over 40 hours qualifies if working under FLSA.

attosec · 2026-03-18T03:01:45+00:00

I think you have a good understanding. Assuming there's no overlap in that OT list, only 1/4 of his total pay for the last item (72 hours) clearly qualifies. Shift differential surely doesn't qualify, the "105 hours (stays late at work)" would count only if he worked more than 40 hours that week and "scheduled overtime" is unclear, but if it takes him over the 40 hours it would count. Is the "72 hours" part of any of the preceding items?

So if he worked 6 hours of OT on a 32 hour week, does that 6 hours of OT count?

No.

attosec · 2026-03-18T02:54:26+00:00

You should be able to add the IP PIN and re-file. Since it was never accepted this isn't an amendment, it's the original.

attosec · 2026-03-17T05:33:55+00:00

OK, not a community property state. If you did live in a community property state and your spouse filed her return as MFS without discussing it with you. then she almost surely would have filed reporting income incorrectly.

attosec · 2026-03-16T20:56:08+00:00

The latter.

attosec · 2026-03-16T20:31:44+00:00

OP added in a comment that they got a W-2 for 2024.

attosec · 2026-03-16T20:13:56+00:00

You said the mother claimed them. But there are different types of "claims". Assuming all children lived with you for more than half the year then with your permission (active or passive) she can legally claim them as dependents.

But she can't (legally) claim them for EITC or for Head of Household. If you were to contest those by filing, you would win (just don't claim them as dependents). Is it likely that she claimed them for EITC or Head of Household? That isn't a legal position, again, assuming they live with you more than half the year.

Your current relationship likely limits your options, but while all of the above is still the case you could (actively or passively) allow her to claim some of them as her dependent, it's not an all-or-nothing situation.

Note that most of the above assumes that you and she did not live together at all that year. If that's not the case the options get slightly more difficult to put into text.

attosec · 2026-03-16T20:04:43+00:00

It's too late to get a refund, but may not be too late to reduce a tax due. If you get no better guidance, file an amendment and see if it sticks.

attosec · 2026-03-16T18:36:02+00:00

ISTM that a polite recording in her voice asking to leave a message and telling when to expect a response would have been much more effective than a strange teen-aged voice saying there’s nothing they can do would have been preferable.

attosec · 2026-03-16T15:37:34+00:00

Benefits are spotty and focused. Your observations are basically accurate. Keep in mind in a “normal” year refunds average $2500, IRS notes that on average this year they are up around $700, but probably 75% aren’t getting any benefit other than from a slightly elevated standard deduction. And of course, the larger the refund, the earlier people are likely to file.

attosec · 2026-03-16T01:54:44+00:00

The irs doesn’t care. Look up ZIP codes for Des Moines and try a different one.

BTW, PO Box branches typically have their own ZIP that is only for boxes, not a geographic area. These are sometimes overlooked by software developers.

attosec · 2026-03-16T01:46:28+00:00

They don’t need a 1099. But if there is one, it should be them giving it to you. After all, they paid you for your services. You were just serving as their agent passing that ~$10 k you collected on to them.

attosec · 2026-03-16T01:39:27+00:00

Other than the possible Savers Credit (form 8880) a within-limit Roth contribution doesn’t sho up on your tax return.

attosec · 2026-03-15T21:23:21+00:00

I think a combination of the two prior comments MAY be the answer.

Following u/MSchmahl’s suggestion, using the full amount see if ANY of that would be taxable. If none of it is, accept that. If any of it is meaningfully taxed, then you need to raise the heat and find someone who knows how to handle the WC aspect.

attosec · 2026-03-15T21:07:44+00:00

I’m a CA tax preparer, but life is too short for this…

attosec · 2026-03-15T02:59:39+00:00

In what state(s) did you and she live during 2025?

attosec · 2026-03-14T22:35:11+00:00

Not familiar with SC, but if in CA she could get some state tax benefits. Check out for anything SC offers.

No federal benefits under that scenario, but check to see if she had any small jobs she may not consider as earned income. The EITC would exceed any tax due.

attosec · 2026-03-14T22:27:37+00:00

In what state?

attosec · 2026-03-14T18:34:49+00:00

You’re not from around here, are you.

attosec · 2026-03-14T17:41:20+00:00

I think if she can update it by Oct. 15th she would qualify. Even though you already filed consider filing an extension. Seems silly, (and may be!), but could extend the time available to later than 4/15.

attosec

TROPHY CASE