A business owner researching how to fill out and file small business 1099 forms.
taxes

Small business 1099: Complete guide for 2024


What is a small business 1099?

A small business 1099 is a form small businesses use to report payments or income for certain transactions. The most common 1099 form small businesses use is Form 1099-NEC, which reports payments to independent contractors.


One tax form you’ve likely come in contact with—either having to send or receive them in the mail—is a small business 1099 form. Many types of 1099 forms exist, although small business owners will only need a couple. If you’re wondering which Form 1099 you should be using and how you should be filing them, let’s take a deeper look at key small business 1099 forms: 


How small business 1099 forms work

If small businesses pay certain expenses or receive certain forms of income, they will either need to send or receive a Form 1099. The IRS sets thresholds that will determine whether you need to fill out a 1099 form. For the most part, the IRS sets the minimum for 1099 forms at $600. 


For example, if you receive over $600 in miscellaneous income, such as prize money, you’ll likely get a 1099. Or if you pay a freelancer more than $600, you’ll need to send them a 1099. There are 1099s for all sorts of transactions, such as interest income, real estate proceeds, and debt cancellation. 


The most notable small business 1099 form is the Form 1099-NEC. Form 1099-NEC is for reporting nonemployee compensation. Typically, when someone asks about a small business 1099, they’re talking about the 1099-NEC form. Also known as the contractor tax form, small businesses send this form to independent contractors to whom they pay more than $600 during the year. 

An illustration of the most common 1099 forms for small businesses, including 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, and 1099-K forms.

Types of small business 1099 forms 

There are over 20 types of 1099 forms. Many small businesses will only come in contact with a handful. There is the 1099-NEC, but also the likes of the 1099-MISC form, which allows businesses to report miscellaneous income and expenses. 


Five of the more common 1099 forms small businesses send or receive are: 


  • Form 1099-MISC: This form is for reporting miscellaneous income, such as prizes and attorney fees. Small businesses may both send and receive this form. 
  • Form 1099-NEC: This form is similar to the 1099-MISC, but it specifically reports nonemployee compensation of over $600. You’ll use it to report payments to independent contractors who are not employees. 
  • Form 1099-K: This form reports payments via third-party payment applications, such as PayPal and Venmo. If you process over $600 on one of these apps or marketplaces like eBay, you’ll receive one of these forms. 
  • Form 1099-INT: This form reports interest income, such as from bank accounts. Small businesses may receive this form if they have interest-bearing accounts or investments and generate over $10 in interest during the year.
  • Form 1099-DIV: This form reports dividend income, such as from stocks and mutual funds. Small businesses may receive this form if they own investments that pay dividends and collect over $10 in dividend income during the year. 


The specific 1099 forms that a small business receives will depend on the type of income it generates and the payments it makes to others. 


When do you need to send 1099-NEC forms? 

When it comes to issuing 1099-NEC forms in particular, if you pay any freelancer or contractor over $600 for the calendar year, you’ll need to send them one. In other words, you send a 1099-NEC to each contractor you pay over $600. 


1099-NEC forms serve two purposes: 


  1. Reports nonemployee compensation payments to the IRS 
  2. Allows your contractor or freelancer to do their taxes 


If you are a small business with employees that you issue a paycheck to and withhold payroll taxes, you won’t issue a 1099-NEC to them. Instead, you issue employees a W-2 tax form. However, there are other 1099 forms your small business may need to send or receive that have nothing to do with your workers. 


Note that Form 1099-NEC is for nonemployee compensation. If you need to report payments of over $600 for other things, such as rent, prizes and rewards, attorney fees, and medical and health care payments, you’ll use Form 1099-MISC. 


Where can you get 1099 forms? 

If you are filing by paper, you can find blank informational copies on the IRS website, such as the 1099-NEC. However, you’ll need to order blank pre-printed 1099s that you can use. 


Note that before preparing your 1099 forms, you’ll need to collect W-9 tax forms from those you need to send 1099 forms to. The W-9 form is the equivalent of the W-4 form that employees complete. It contains key information, such as Social Security or tax identification number. 


If you use accounting software like QuickBooks, you can simply electronically file your 1099s. 


Small business 1099 filing requirements 

For filling out your 1099 forms, the process is similar no matter which form you need. You’ll find that there are several copies: 


  • Copy A you’ll send to the IRS and 
  • Copy 1 you’ll send to your state tax department (if required)
  • Copy B and Copy 2 go to the recipient, such as your independent contractor 
  • Copy C is for your records 


The recipient will use their copies to file their federal and state tax returns. The due date for filing 1099 forms is March 31 if done electronically (or Feb 28 if by paper). 


However, the recipients of 1099 forms, such as 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms, must get their copy by Jan 31. 


1099 filing tips for small businesses

Small businesses can make filing small business 1099 forms easier with a few best practices. 

To ensure a smooth 1099 filing process, follow these steps:

  1. Gather necessary information: Collect the information you’ll need from your small business tax prep checklist. This includes info from each payee or independent contractor. It’s best to have them complete a Form W-9 to get their info before doing business together. 
  2. Complete your forms correctly: Use the appropriate 1099 form, such as the 1099-MISC or the 1099-NEC, for nonemployee compensation. Fill in the required information for each contractor, including the amounts paid.
  3. Submit to agencies: Send a copy of each completed form to both the contractor and the appropriate agency. This will be the IRS for most small businesses, but you may also need to send copies to your state tax department.
  4. Be aware of deadlines: The deadline for many 1099 forms is March 31 if you e-file, but deadlines are usually sooner if you paper file. Also, the deadline for Form 1099-NEC is much earlier than others—on Jan 31. 
  5. Keep records: Maintain copies of the 1099 forms and any supporting documentation for at least three years. These records can help with tax audits or other purposes.

When filing ‌your 1099 form, here are some of the key sections you’ll need to fill out:



An illustration of how to fill out a 1099 form.

Having a filing system in order for your Form 1099s can ensure you’re in compliance with tax laws and avoid penalties. Remember to stay up-to-date on tax changes and consult with a tax professional if needed.


Find peace of mind come tax time

Small businesses have to comply with various 1099 filing requirements. Figuring out which small business 1099 forms to use can be overwhelming. Properly managing and filing 1099 forms is an important aspect of running a small business and maintaining good tax practices.


Accounting software with integrated payroll services like QuickBooks Payroll can make handling payroll and other accounting procedures easier, as well as filing 1099 forms.

Small business 1099 FAQ

QuickBooks Online Payroll & Contractor Payments: Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services, subject to eligibility criteria, credit and application approval. For more information about Intuit Payments Inc.’s money transmission licenses, please visit https://www.intuit.com/legal/licenses/payment-licenses/


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