If you get a 1099-MISC, you need to file Schedule C [1]. They can make a guess at line 1 based on the 1099-MISC, but none of the other lines come with a counte

If you get a 1099-MISC, you need to file Schedule C [1]. They can make a guess at line 1 based on the 1099-MISC, but none of the other lines come with a counter party filing forms with the IRS to give them hints. I agree that most people who don't need to file Schedule C, who don't have investment gains or losses outside of tax sheltered accounts, and who don't pay for childcare while they work (Form 2441), and who don't have miscellaneous deductions (which include medical expenses and unreimbursed employee expenses if they exceed 2% of your income) could have the IRS correctly fill out their taxes for them. And thats a lot of people, and the IRS should do it. But the parent comment said "If you only have W-2 or 1099 income, the government already has all of the data," and my point is that unless they mean something weird by "1099 income," then thats wrong. [1]: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sc.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sc.pdf