It's a pleasure to have you here in the Community, @marybeeaudio!
I completely agree that using an external online service is the way to a more efficient workflow. Let me share some insights and steps to help you e-file your 1099.
Once the Form 1099 is e-filed via E-file Service, Form 1096 will also be submitted. That said, you don't need to file Form 1096.
When you've prepared and verified that the information on your 1099s is correct, you can e-file them by following these steps:
- Choose the e-file option.
- Follow the on-screen steps to complete your 1099 e-file. If prompted, enter your billing info. You can also review each contractor's 1099.
- If prompted, select the delivery option for your contractor's copies. If you don't see this option, you've already given your contractors online access to their 1099s when you added them to QuickBooks (QB). If an email address is wrong, you can update it in QB. Then, you can go back through the 1099 e-file flow.
It's important to note that the paper version of Copy A of Form 1099 is for your records. There's no need to print or mail this form to the IRS.
Additionally, you can check the filing status of your submitted 1099 from your 1099 E-File Service account. Moreover, you can refer to this article to know which states require 1099s and how to file them: File your state 1099 forms.
Just in case you want to submit your W-2 and W-3 forms to the Federal and state agencies through QuickBooks Online Payroll, feel free to use this article as a guide: File your W-2 and W-3 forms.
You can always return to this thread if you have other concerns besides E-filing your 1099s. I'm always ready to help you out.