I work for a real estate investment company and they had me do some odd jobs in the evenings. I posted signs and mailed flyers for them. I also received two commission checks for referring investors and a performance bonus for having a house sell at an open house. My question is why I received a 1099 for these things instead of a W-2 and do I need to claim this on a sched-C as if I am self-employeed?

This is my first experience with the 1099.

Thanks so much for your help!

Sorry, to clarify, I worked for them during the day as a regular full time employee doing administrative work, for which I received a W-2.

Jessica:

The reason you received a Form 1099 is that the work you did in the evening had to do with the actual sale of homes. In real estate sales, such work is normally considered independent contract work and is tracked using Form 1099-MISC.

Your normal job meets the criteria set for an employee, hence the W-2.

Atlanta Tax Expert,

Thanks so much for your help. It's great that there are people out there willing to answer our questions!

:)

Glad to help!