Getting a blank Form 1099 to issue to a contractor or vendor from the IRS is a simple task. If you're looking for one previously provided to you by a client or other issuer, that gets tricky. In addition to getting a blank copy from the IRS, you have several other options.
Reviewing the steps for getting a 1099 will help you get this document in the quickest way and help you avoid penalties or interest. You may also be able to get the form from other providers using a simple online search for, "Get a 1099."
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Form 1099 vs. Form W-2
A 1099 is similar to the W-2 employees receive at the end of the year. A W-2 shows the amount of income you received and the deductions taken from your paychecks during the year. A 1099 shows the amount of money you received from a client or other issuer (such as if you earned money from rent), but doesn't have tax deductions. Issuers of 1099s don't take out taxes; they just report (to you and the IRS) via a 1099 how much they paid you.
If you're issuing a 1099, you should have it to your employees by January 31 of the year immediately following the tax year.
Read More: W-2 Forms: What It Is, Who Gets One & How It Works
Types of 1099s
There are different versions of Form 1099, and you should familiarize yourself with them to make sure you issue the correct one, explains TurboTax. For example, one covers income you earned working for someone, one covers income you received from a royalty payment, rent or investment and another covers tax refunds you received. Some popular 1099 forms include 1099-NEC for independent contractors and 1099-MISC for various other forms of income.
Visit the IRS Website
If you want a blank copy of a 1099, you can visit the IRS link for it, such as the two above for the 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC. This will bring up a PDF file you can view and print.
You'll see three versions of the form (one for the recipient, one for the IRS and one for your records). You'll also see a page of instructions. Hit the "print" button on your computer to print out the form.
Unfortunately, Part A of the Form 1099 on the IRS website is in red ink and may not print well enough. That means you may need to order it directly from the IRS. If you just need one or both of the other parts, you can print and use those.
To download and print IRS forms (which are usually provided in PDF format), you might need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader Preview software. You can get more information about printing and even filling out forms online on the IRS website. You can order Form 1099 (and other forms) from the IRS website, too.
Call the IRS
You can call the IRS 800-829-3676 and order your form over the phone. It can take 10 days or so to receive your form by mail. Be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the IRS workforce has created a backlog of work for the service, so when you call, you might be on hold for a while. Make sure to call when you have plenty of time to wait, and probably something to do.
Should You Get/Issue One?
Make sure you know if you need to issue a 1099 before you do so. For example, if you hire a landscaper to do your lawn or a painter to paint your house, you won't need to issue a 1099. Some people you hire to perform work for you will require a 1099 if they earn $600 or more in any tax year. For example, if you're a landscaper or housepainter and you hire someone to work for you and they earn $600 or more, you'll need to issue a 1099 and report the payments to the IRS.
If you think you might need to receive a 1099, contact the business or person who paid you and ask, or check with your tax preparer. If you want a copy of a previous 1099 you received, you can request a copy of the tax return you filed to see if you included a copy of your 1099.
You're not required to do that, so the chances you did and can get that copy might be slim. To request a copy of a previous tax return, go to the IRS website to learn the different ways you can do this.