I paid contractors this year before getting QBO. How do I manually backlog those payments so they show up on the 1099s?

I can help you with this, firstlighthoodri.

We can manually record all those payments so that you can track the expenses and file 1099-MISC for your contractors directly from QuickBooks. Before diving into the process, let's make sure that we've set up your contractor for 1099 tracking. You can follow the steps below (in case you haven't set it up yet):

1. Select Expenses from the sidebar menu.
2. Click the Vendors tab.
3. Select the appropriate vendor.
4. Click the Vendors Details tab, then hit the Edit button.
5. Tick the Track Payments for 1099.
6.  Hit Save.

Then, we can now record the transactions. Please take note of the date, amount, account, and item to avoid discrepancies. Here's how:

1. Click the + New icon.
2. Select the appropriate transaction (bills, bill payments, checks or expenses).
3. Enter the necessary information (based on the prior payments).
4. Hit Save and close, when you're ready.

Just a heads up, the payments you made through payment networks like PayPal, credit, debit, or gift card are excluded from vendor's 1099. Instead, the payment companies report those payments to the IRS for you.

Check out this article that will guide you in running reports that show the vendors you need to send 1099s to and what you paid them: Create a 1099 report for vendors and vendor payments.

If I can be of any additional assistance in managing your vendor payments, please let me know by tagging me in your comments. I'm always available here and ready to help.