I have a 1099-NEC, why do I need to file out a schedule C? I don’t own the business.

Yes you are the owner of your own self employment business. You are in business for yourself. Use your own info. The people or company that pays you is your customer or client. You need to fill out schedule C for self employment business income. You are considered to have your own business for it. YOU are the business.

When you are self employed you are in business for yourself and the person or company that pays you is your customer or client.

To report your self employment income you will fill out schedule C in your personal 1040 tax return and pay SE self employment Tax. You can fill out Schedule C and enter Self Employment Income into Online Deluxe or Premier but if you have any expenses you will have to upgrade to the Self Employed version. Or buy any of the Desktop programs. All the Desktop programs have all the same forms, but you will get the most help in the Home & Business version.

How to enter income from Self Employment
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/self-employed/help/how-do-i-report-income-from-self-employment/00/26653

Turbo Tax Beginners Tax Guide for the Self Employed
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/self-employment-taxes/beginners-tax-guide-for-the-self-employed/L2HLojrj5

Here is some IRS reading material……
IRS information on Self Employment
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

Publication 535 Business Expenses
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p535.pdf

Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p334.pdf