U.S. · Tax forms
1099-MISC box 15, nonqualified deferred compensation.
Only the amounts taxable under section 409A, and the $2,000 line.
Box 15 of Form 1099-MISC reports all amounts deferred of at least $2,000 (including earnings) that are includible in income under section 409A because the nonqualified deferred compensation plan fails to satisfy section 409A. It is not a report of all deferrals: ordinary compliant deferrals are not what box 15 is for.
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Result
The rule
Enter all amounts deferred of at least $2,000 (including earnings on amounts deferred) that are includible in income under section 409A because the nonqualified deferred compensation plan fails to satisfy the requirements of section 409A. The filing list in the instructions includes nonqualified deferred compensation under the $2,000 line.
What you leave out
- Amounts properly reported on a Form 1099-MISC, corrected Form 1099-MISC, Form W-2 or Form W-2c for a prior year.
- Amounts that are considered to be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of section 409A.
Where the technical rules live
The instructions refer to Regulations sections 1.409A-1 through 1.409A-6 and to Notice 2008-113, Notice 2008-115, Notice 2010-6 and Notice 2010-80. Whether a plan fails section 409A is not decided by this page; it is a plan-document and compliance question for the plan sponsor and tax counsel.
Box 15 versus box 12
Box 12 is the optional box for total deferrals under all nonqualified plans, with a $2,000 level. Box 15 is the taxable failure amount. The two are different measures, not amounts to add together.
Worked example
A company discovers that a consulting agreement’s deferred bonus plan fails section 409A. The deferred amount includible in income this year is $12,000 plus $800 of earnings, $12,800 in all. None of it was reported in a prior year and it is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, so box 15 shows $12,800.
Related decoders
More 1099 box pages: 1099-NEC box 2, direct sales of $5,000 or more, 1099-MISC box 1, rents, 1099-NEC box 4, backup withholding at 24 percent, 1099-MISC box 4, federal income tax withheld, 1099-MISC box 6, medical and health care payments. For the 1099-R box 7 codes see the 1099-R distribution codes lookup.
Sources
- Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC (12/2026): the box-by-box section for this form. Read November 2, 2026. The IRS page was last reviewed July 1, 2026 and labels the instructions 12/2026.
Edition read: Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC (12/2026). The instructions say the $2,000 minimum threshold applies for tax years beginning after 2025 and may be adjusted for inflation beginning in calendar year 2027; check which year your own form covers. This page summarizes the instructions and does not replace them.
Frequently asked questions
What is box 15 on a 1099-MISC?
Amounts deferred of at least $2,000 (including earnings) that are includible in income under section 409A because the nonqualified deferred compensation plan fails to satisfy section 409A.
Does box 15 mean my deferrals are taxable?
It reports amounts the payer treats as includible in income under section 409A because the plan fails to satisfy the requirements. Compliant deferrals are not what box 15 is for.
What is left out of box 15?
Amounts properly reported for a prior year on Form 1099-MISC, corrected Form 1099-MISC, Form W-2 or Form W-2c, and amounts considered subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of section 409A.
Is there a minimum for box 15?
Yes. The instructions say all amounts deferred of at least $2,000, including earnings.
Where do I read the 409A rules?
The instructions refer to Regulations sections 1.409A-1 through 1.409A-6 and Notices 2008-113, 2008-115, 2010-6 and 2010-80.
Not tax advice
This page summarizes IRS instructions, mostly written for the people who prepare the form, and is not tax, legal or financial advice. The payer, a CPA or an enrolled agent can confirm what a box means for your return. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.