How badly does a 1099-C affect my taxes?

Asked by: Jerrell Kuhn  |  Last update: March 28, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (38 votes)

If you receive a 1099-C, you may have to report the amount shown as taxable income on your income tax return. Because it's considered income, the canceled debt has tax consequences and may lower any tax refund you are due.

How does a 1099-C affect my tax refund?

While you don't have to provide the Form 1099 C with your return, you should use it to prepare and file your federal tax return, as the canceled debt may be included in your gross income unless an exception applies. Use Copy B of the 1099-C to report canceled debts on Schedule 1 of Form 1040 as other income.

What percentage of taxes do you pay on a 1099-C?

Your income, including amounts listed on your 1099-Cs, gets taxed at the normal progressive rate, which ranges from 10% to 37%.

Does cancellation of debt affect your tax return?

Generally, if you borrow money from a commercial lender and the lender later cancels or forgives the debt, you may have to include the cancelled amount in income for tax purposes. The lender is usually required to report the amount of the canceled debt to you and the IRS on a Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt.

Can a creditor still collect after issuing a 1099-C?

If a creditor continues to attempt to collect the debt after you receive a 1099-C, the debt may not have been canceled and you may not have income from a canceled debt. Verify your specific situation with the creditor.

IRS Form 1099C Cancellation of Debt

41 related questions found

What is the 36 month rule for 1099-C?

The 36-month non-payment rule, as set forth in Reg. Section 1.6050P-1(b)(2)(iv), established a rebuttable presumption that an identifiable event has occurred, resulting in a requirement to file a Form 1099-C, if a creditor does not receive payment on a loan within a 36-month testing period.

Can I use TurboTax if I have a 1099-C?

Note: If you received a 1099-C for your main home and another 1099-C for something else (like a credit card, car loan, or second mortgage) you won't be able to use TurboTax, as we don't support this.

What is the statute of limitations on a 1099-C?

The IRS Form 1099-C statute of limitations determines the timeframe during which the IRS can assess additional taxes or taxpayers can amend returns related to canceled debt income. Typically, this statute extends for three years from the due date of the tax return that reports canceled debt income.

What kind of debt can take your tax return?

Past-due child support; Federal agency nontax debts; State income tax obligations; or. Certain unemployment compensation debts owed to a state (generally, these are debts for (1) compensation paid due to fraud, or (2) contributions owing to a state fund that weren't paid).

Do you have to pay taxes on a debt consolidation loan?

And, generally, that debt doesn't become taxable unless it is discharged (canceled or forgiven). If that debt is discharged, you may owe taxes on the amount you don't pay back. Loans that are not taxed as income include: Personal loans for credit card consolidation or major purchases.

How to settle with the IRS by yourself?

You can use your Online Account to make offer in compromise (OIC) payments or check if you're eligible to submit an OIC. We'll review your OIC and decide if you qualify. An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe.

What happens if I don't report a 1099-C?

If you don't report the taxable amount of the canceled debt, the IRS may send you a notice proposing to assess additional tax and may audit your tax return. In addition, the IRS may assess additional tax, penalties and interest.

How bad does a 1099 affect my taxes?

Self-employment tax: 1099 contractors are subject to self-employment tax, which covers both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. This totals 15.3% of your net earnings. In contrast, W-2 employees only pay the employee portion (7.65%), while their employer covers the remaining half.

What is the threshold for reporting a 1099-C?

File Form 1099-C for each debtor for whom you canceled $600 or more of a debt owed to you if: You are an applicable financial entity. An identifiable event has occurred.

Does a 1099-C affect your credit?

Key Takeaways: The IRS requires 1099-C forms because forgiven debt contributes to your gross income. Receiving and filing a 1099-C form won't affect your credit score positively or negatively.

How much tax do you pay on cancelled debt?

The law requires that you report all taxable canceled debt as income on your tax return, even if the amount is less than $600 and you didn't receive a Form 1099-C. Canceled debt is taxed at same rate as your ordinary income, which can be anywhere from 10% to 37% depending on your total taxable income.

Can a 1099-C be reversed?

If the individual who has received a Form 1099-C that they believe is mistaken as to the amount or characterization of the debt, and if that individual notifies the IRS during the examination, then it is possible to reverse the normal burden of producing evidence.

How to avoid paying taxes on debt settlement?

One of the key strategies to minimize or avoid paying taxes on forgiven debt is by proving insolvency. If you're insolvent at the time of the debt settlement, you may qualify to exclude the forgiven amount from your taxable income.

Where do I enter 1099-C on my tax return?

Generally, data from a Form 1099-C, Cancelled debt (box 2) is reported on Form 1040, line 21 for 2017 and prior. But for 2018, 2019 and 2020, it is reported on 1040 Schedule 1 Line 8, for 2021 on 1040 Schedule 1 line 8z, using Wkt 7.

How do I exclude cancellation of debt from taxation?

If you meet the requirements for excluding your cancellation of debt, you may exclude the applicable amount from income. However, the cancellation of debt must be reported to you and the IRS on Form 1099-C. You could then exclude the cancellation of debt with Form 982.

How long does a creditor have to file a 1099-C?

Form 1099-C is a federal tax form required by the IRS. Lenders and other creditors must submit a copy to the agency and to taxpayers whenever they cancel or forgive a debt worth $600 or more. Forms must be sent to taxpayers by Jan. 31.

What is the tax form that can erase your debt legally?

You should receive a Form 1099-C, "Cancellation of Debt," from the lender that forgave the debt.

Does 1099-NEC income have to be reported on Schedule C?

The IRS considers any income reported in Box 1 of the 1099-NEC as self-employment income and looks for it to be reported on the Schedule C (Business Income) or F (Farm Income). If you received a 1099-NEC but you should've received the income on a W-2, you don't need a Schedule C or F for it.