How to Get IRS Red-Ink Forms Free (1099, W-2, 1096, 5498)

Erich Ruth

The IRS provides IRS red-ink forms free for official paper filing. These are the scannable forms required for information returns such as 1099, 1098, 5498, and W-2. Printing your own versions will not work — you must use the official IRS-issued red-ink copies. Here are three ways to get them.

1. Order IRS Red-Ink Forms Free Online

Visit the IRS Online Ordering Portal.
Log in or create an IRS account using your name and mailing address.
Select the forms you need (such as 1099-MISC, 1096, or W-2).
Complete the order and the IRS mails the red-ink forms free of charge.

2. Request IRS Red-Ink Forms Free by Phone

Call the IRS at 800-829-3676.
Ask for the specific red-ink forms you need, including any transmittal forms (like 1096 or W-3).
Provide your mailing address. The IRS will send the forms free.

3. Pick Up IRS Red-Ink Forms Free at a Local IRS Office

Use the IRS Office Locator to find the nearest office.
Call ahead to confirm they have the red-ink forms in stock.
Visit in person to pick them up.

Why Use IRS Red-Ink Forms?

They meet official IRS scanning requirements.
You cannot submit printed copies from your own printer.
Ordering directly ensures compliance and accuracy.

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pam B.

14:38 25 Aug 25

I have used 1099 Fire for a number of years to prepare and file 1099 and NEC01 data for our multiple entities and highly recommend this service. It is easy to use, the data can be reviewed prior to sending and they mail the 1099/NEC's directly to the recipients, eliminating that hassle.

Jason P.

13:40 25 Aug 25

A True Partner for 1099 Reporting
1099FIRE has been a game-changer for our organization. The platform is designed to make 1099 reporting so simple and easy, taking the typical year-end panic and making the entire process stress-free. They are now an integral and indispensable part of our compliance workflow. Not only do they handle all the complex IRS electronic submissions perfectly, but their system allows us to provide our many suppliers with remarkably fast reporting of their documents. For anyone looking to streamline tax season and gain complete peace of mind, we highly recommend 1099FIRE.

Michal S.

14:25 14 Aug 25

1099Fire has been our trusted partner for IRS filings over the past several years, handling the processing of hundreds of thousands of records on our behalf. Their process is consistently efficient and seamless, with an impressively quick turnaround time for filing results. The team at 1099Fire demonstrates exceptional professionalism, expertise, and responsiveness, always providing timely and thorough communication.

In particular, Amy H., my primary point of contact, has been outstanding to work with. She has guided us through the contracting process, ensuring that our needs are met and deadlines are achieved without issue. She has made the entire experience smooth and stress-free.

I highly recommend 1099Fire for any organization seeking a reliable, responsive, and highly capable partner for information return filings.

Vickie H.

12:46 12 Aug 25

We have used 1099FIRE / National Software for years. They have always been very helpful and answer any questions we might have with their software or if we run into any issues along the way. We highly recommend them!

Design I.

16:37 18 Jul 25

Best Customer Service on the market!!! 1095-C Software was easy to use, their sample document and instructional videos provided exceptionally clear instructions. We were doing a complicated process and the 1099Fire team, especially Dan and Amy went above and beyond to help us! I am extremely grateful we found them and cannot thank them enough for all of their help and expertise! We will absolutely use them again!!

Laurie H.

18:29 06 May 25

We did it again! We have been using 1099Fire to generate our 1094’s and 1095’s since the Affordable Care Act was passed and the filings were required. The customer service is 5 stars! Dan, Amy, and Abby are always very helpful and professional. I would strongly recommend them for all your filing needs.

American M.

22:50 08 Apr 25

I'd tried a competitor but have never changed since trying 1099Fire. They PICK UP THE PHONE and help with issues. I've tried both outsourcing to them (ACA reporting) and doing it myself, using their software. I went back to outsourcing, seeing how much time it can take to fix errors, how many complications can arise, and how much the IRS can F__k you for getting this wrong. Highly recommend 1099Fire! Dan and Amy are phenomenal!

Response from the owner 18:03 06 May 25

Thank you so much for your incredible review! We’re honored that you chose 1099Fire and stuck with us after trying other options. We pride ourselves on being available, helpful, and responsive—so it means a lot to hear that it made a difference for you. We know how complex IRS compliance can be, and we’re always here to make the process smoother. Dan and Amy will be thrilled to hear your kind words. Thanks again for the recommendation and for being a valued client! ~ Robin

Douglas D.

17:04 27 Mar 25

I have been working with 1099Fire for many years now. Their customer service top notch. Year after year they have help me get my tax forms filled in and filed correctly. I have worked with 100's of vendors over my 30 year career and 1099Fire has been one of the best.

Response from the owner 18:05 06 May 25

Thank you for your continued trust and loyalty over the years! We’re truly grateful to have been part of your tax filing process and are proud to know our customer service has consistently met your expectations. Coming from someone with such extensive experience, your kind words mean a lot to our entire team. ~ Robin

Reece R.

15:49 10 Mar 25

Wow! Another year in the books! 1099-FIRE makes the tax form filing process so much easier. The staff is knowledgeable and keep me informed on any changes from year to year. They are friendly and helpful when I have any problems occur to my software pulling the data they need to process forms. I love the timeline details they share so that all clients can get their filings submitted. WELL DONE 1099-FIRE...until next year!

Response from the owner 23:47 13 Mar 25

We’re incredibly grateful for your 5-star review Reece! Your feedback means the world to us and motivates us to keep doing our best. We have enjoyed our working relationship over the past 8 years. ~Abby

BOBBY S.

15:22 10 Mar 25

Jenkins & Wynne Ford Lincoln Honda has been a client of 1099FIRE for several years. The staff is very helpful, courteous, and proficient in filing IRS returns. 1099FIRE has generated our ACA1094 and ACA1095 filings since the inception of this required program with the IRS. 1099FIRE also generates our 1099MISC and 1099NEC's each year as well. We can highly recommend this company for your tax filing needs.

Response from the owner 16:11 10 Mar 25

Your continued business is a testament to our relationship, and we thank you for it. We have enjoyed working with Jenkins and Wynne over the years. ~Abby

Jennifer S.

12:11 21 Feb 25

For the past two years I've had a great experience with the pleasant, upbeat and professional staff at 1099FIRE. The site is quite easy to use and timeliness is top notch. Thank you!

Response from the owner 23:48 13 Mar 25

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that you were happy with our service. ~Abby

Meredith G.

20:16 12 Feb 25

Customer support team is very helpful and friendly! They went above and beyond and contacted me regarding an error on my forms. The time and money they saved me was so very much appreciated!! Highly recommend their services!!

Cory C.

00:44 12 Feb 25

I really like working with 1099Fire. They are extremely helpful and make tax filings very simple and efficient.

Response from the owner 22:42 07 Mar 25

We sincerely appreciate all the years of business. It has been a true pleasure working with you. - Robin