Why fight it?

Report the sale on Dtr's 1040 with zero gain/loss so it clears IRS computer matching review; and on 1041 which closes out in same year so any net loss (due to commissions and costs of sale) will flow thru on final K-1.

It all comes out the same in the end.

I would do it the way you suggested, but if they want to pay you to make it complicated, so be it.