I got a signing bonus for taking a job. The bonus was paid by someone other than the corp that hired me. They called it a loan and promise to forgive the debt as long as I stay in the job for so many years. I got a 1099-misc for some of the money this year and I'm not sure where to put it in my return. Where does it go?

You will report your income and expenses on schedule C or C-EZ (Form 1040). This income is subject to SE tax at 15.3%. Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: Tax Filing by Self Employed Sole Proprietor or Independent Contractor (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/04/tax-filing-by-self-employed-sole.html)

If the funds are in Block #7 of the Form 1099-MISC,then the Schedule C and SE are required.

If the funds are in Block #3 (Other Income), you can list it on Line #21 of Form 1040 and avoid the self-employment tax.