1099 Forms...

An information return, or 1099 form, is a tax document that certain persons are required to file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report certain business transactions.

An information return is not an income tax return; it is used for reporting purposes only. Information on the return is used both to assist taxpayers in preparing their return and to allow the IRS to match the information from the specified transaction to the taxpayer's tax return.

There are many different kinds of information returns including but not limited to Forms 1042-S, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, 8027, 8955-SSA and W-2G.

Form layout

Form 1099 typically consists of 3-pages where Copy A is sent to the IRS, Copy B is given to the Payer and Copy C is transmitted to the Payee. Some 1099 forms, such as the 1099-MISC, have additional Copy 1 and Copy 2 as well. Copy A has the look and feel of a normal sheet of paper while Copy B and C are almost like tissue-paper. The 3-pages are connected together by a perforated edge.

Each information return has the same layout in that there is Void and Corrected at the top, then on the left hand side there is the Payer information at the top, then below that the Payee information. Typically the account number is below the Payee information and the right hand side consists of specific questions for that particular information return.

Form Dates

1099 forms are used to report income, proceeds, etc., only on a calendar year (January 1 through December 31) basis, regardless of the fiscal year used by the payer or payee for other Federal tax purposes. The returns must be filed with the IRS by the end of February immediately following the year for which the income items or other proceeds are paid. Copies of the returns must be sent to payees, however, by the end of January.

1099 form free

How to attain to forms for free

If you are filing by paper, you must submit Copy A along with the 1096 on the IRS special paper with red ink. The IRS provides the forms for FREE (it's an excellent service!). You can order as many forms as you like by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676), an IRS provided toll-free number. There is no charge for calling, shipping or handling and they will ship up to 100 forms per call. You can also order the forms online for free using this link:

Order the red-ink 1099 forms for free

It takes anywhere from 3 days to 2-weeks to receive the forms.

About our software

Each module displays the entire 1099 form on the screen. Simply insert an official IRS form into your printer and the software will print your data on top of the form. Adjust and save the vertical and horizontal printing offsets so that your data prints perfectly on the form each and every time.

Copy B and Copy C (or Copy 1 and 2) can be printed on plain paper with black ink.

You can also convert Copy B to PDF and email that to the payee.