Hi everyone! I’m Bette Hochberger, CPA, CGMA. As we step into the new year, it’s crucial for businesses to stay on top of their tax responsibilities. One key responsibility that often gets overlooked is sending out 1099 forms on time. 

January 31st is the deadline for businesses to send out these forms. Missing this deadline can lead to penalties and complications. So, today’s blog will provide a comprehensive guide on why, how, and to whom you need to send these forms. Let’s dive in!

Understanding 1099 Forms

The 1099 form is an IRS tax form used to report various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. It’s primarily used to document income for independent contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees. The most common types of these forms are the 1099-MISC, for miscellaneous income, and the 1099-NEC, for non-employee compensation.

Who Needs to File 1099s?

If you are a business or individual who has made payments totaling $600 or more to a non-employee service provider, rent, awards, or any other miscellaneous income payments during the year, you are required to issue a 1099 form. This is crucial for the IRS to track the income of people who might not receive regular paychecks.

How to Prepare and Send 1099 Forms

  1. Collect Information: Ensure you have all the necessary information, including the payee’s name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
  2. Choose the Right Form: Determine whether you need form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC.
  3. Fill Out the Form: You can do this electronically through IRS-approved software or manually by ordering forms from the IRS.
  4. Distribute the Forms: Send a copy to the recipient by January 31st and file a copy with the IRS. Remember, for 1099-NEC, the IRS also needs to receive their copy by January 31st.

Consequences of Missing the Deadline

Failing to file 1099s on time can lead to penalties ranging from $50 to $270 per form, depending on how late they are filed. It’s crucial to meet the deadline to avoid these penalties and maintain compliance with IRS regulations.

Issuing 1099 forms is more than a tax obligation; it’s a responsibility that ensures transparency and fairness in our tax system. As a CPA, I urge businesses to take this deadline seriously and ensure all relevant 1099s are sent out by January 31st. Doing so will help avoid penalties and keep your business in good standing with the IRS.

Need help? Schedule a meeting with me today, and I’d be happy to help.

As always, stay safe, and I will see you next time.