What is an IRS 1099-NEC Form?
If you’re self-employed or run a business that hires freelancers, you’ve probably seen IRS Form 1099-NEC. It’s a common tax form for nonemployees. Knowing when and how to use it is essential.
What is Form 1099-NEC?
Businesses use Form 1099-NEC to report “nonemployee compensation” to the IRS. If you pay someone who isn’t an employee—like a freelancer, contractor, or independent professional—you use this form to document that income.
The IRS reintroduced Form 1099-NEC in 2020 to separate these payments from the more general 1099-MISC form. The 1099-MISC had previously handled a wide variety of payments. Before this change, businesses reported nonemployee compensation in Box 7 of the 1099-MISC. But that led to confusion because different boxes on the same form had different IRS deadlines. To streamline reporting and reduce filing errors, the IRS brought back the 1099-NEC as a dedicated form just for nonemployee services.
Now, most businesses use 1099-NEC for paying freelancers and contractors. The 1099-MISC is reserved for other types of payments—like rent, legal settlements, or royalties.
Who Uses Form 1099-NEC?
Two main groups use the 1099-NEC:
- Businesses or clients who pay $600 or more to a nonemployee for services during the year.
- Independent contractors and freelancers who receive those payments.
For example, if a company hires a freelance web developer and pays them over $600 in a year, the company needs to send that developer a 1099-NEC.
When is Form 1099-NEC Necessary?
You need to use Form 1099-NEC when you pay $600 or more to someone who is not your employee for services—not for physical products or materials. This typically applies when the recipient is operating as an individual, sole proprietor, or a business entity that isn’t classified as a corporation (though there are a few exceptions). Common examples include payments to graphic designers, consultants, marketing freelancers, construction contractors, and similar professionals.
What You Need To File Form 1099-NEC Correctly
Filing the 1099-NEC is pretty straightforward, but you’ll need the right information:
- Payer’s information: Your business name, address, and taxpayer identification number (TIN).
- Recipient’s information: Their name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is usually collected using a Form W-9.
- Total amount paid during the tax year for services.
- Filing deadlines:
- Send the form to the recipient by January 31st.
- File with the IRS by January 31st if you’re filing electronically or on paper.
Using online tools can help you create and deliver these forms quickly and accurately—especially if you have multiple contractors to report.
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If you’re looking for a fast and reliable way to get your 1099-NEC forms done, the FormPros 1099-NEC generator makes the process simple. Our easy-to-use online tool walks you through each step, helping you create accurate forms in just minutes. Whether you’re filing for a single contractor or managing several, you can quickly fill out and download your 1099-NEC forms—without the hassle of complex tax software or paperwork. Save time, reduce errors, and stay IRS-compliant with FormPros.
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