1099 Preparation Guide: 2026 Filing Requirements, Updates, and Deadlines
Getting ahead on preparing 1099 forms will save you time and reduce stress as the deadlines approach. This guide explains key requirements for 2026 filing, including updates, e-filing rules and important deadlines to help your business stay compliant.
First, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the standard 1099 forms that most companies must file.
Common 1099 Forms
A key part of 1099 preparation is identifying which 1099 forms apply to your business and the types of payments you’ve made.Here’s an overview of common 1099 forms:
- 1099 NEC (Non-employee Compensation) reports payments of at least $600 or more in the calendar year to non-employees for services rendered.
- 1099 MISC (Miscellaneous) reports miscellaneous payments such as rent, prizes and awards, other income, medical and health payments, legal settlements, crop insurance proceeds, and fish boating process of $600 or more.
- 1099 MISC (Miscellaneous) is also used to report royalties of at least $10 and any amount of Section 409A deferrals and nonqualified deferred compensation plans (NQDCs)
- 1099 INT (Interest) is used to report interest paid of at least $10.
- 1099 DIV (Dividend) reports dividends paid of at least $10.
Key Insights for 1099 Preparation
Now that you know the different 1099 forms, you can start reviewing your records to identify which vendors require a 1099. It is good practice to always have form W9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, on file for all vendors before issuing payments.
Form W-9 will contain the vendor’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), mailing address, and their classification for tax purposes. The TIN may be a Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
What’s New for 1099 Requirements
- Excess golden parachute payments are no longer reported on Form 1099-MISC. You can now report these payments on Form 1099-NEC, Box 3.
W-9 Form Updates
- Starting in 2024, new fields added to form W-9.
- Box 3 on form W9 was split into two lines, 3a and 3b. Box 3a has been modified to clarify how a disregarded entity completes this field. An LLC that is a disregarded entity should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Otherwise, it should check the “LLC” box and enter its appropriate tax classification.
- Box 3b has been added to provide a flow-through entity with information regarding the status of its indirect foreign partners’ owners, or beneficiaries, so that it can satisfy any applicable reporting requirements.
E-Filing Requirements
- Starting the tax year 2023, if you have ten or more information returns to file in aggregate, you must file them electronically. Information returns are all forms of 1099, 1097, 1098, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2s.
- Corrections to forms 1099 must be done in the same form they were initially filed. If your third-party vendor filed form 1099 electronically, you can no longer send a paper correction; the correction must be done electronically.
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Applying for a Transmitter Control Code (TCC)
When preparing 1099 filings, apply for a TCC early as it may take up to 45 days to process the application. Below are the three IRS e-filing systems, each system has their own transmitter control code (TCC) and cannot be used interchangeably.
- IRIS System (Information Reporting Intake System) – IRIS TCCs start with ‘D’. IRIS does not require special software to operate, making it the more accessible e-filing option. However, it does not allow submission of forms 1042 and only 100 or fewer forms can be submitted at a time.
- FIRE System (Information Returns) – FIRE TCCs start with a numeric character. FIRE Allows submission of forms of all information returns except forms 1094 and 1095 which are filed in AIR System. To generate the e-file to upload requires a third-party software.
- AIR System (Affordable Care Act Information Returns) – ACA TCCs start with ‘B’, ‘C’, or ‘T’. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies, self-insured companies and businesses that provide health insurance to their employees must submit information returns to the IRS to report on individual health insurance coverage.
2026 Filing 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV Deadlines
- Recipient copies – January 31, 2026
- Paper filing – February 28, 2026
- E-filing – March 31, 2026
Forms 1098, 1099-A, 1099-C, 1099-DIV, 1099-G, 1099-INT, 1099-K, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, and 1099-S have been converted to a continuous use form – meaning the IRS does not anticipate annual changes in the future. There are no substantive changes to the form or instructions for 2025.
2026 Filing 1099-NEC Deadlines
- Recipient copies – January 31, 2026
- Paper filing – January 31, 2026
- E-filing – January 31, 2026
An extension of time to furnish statements to recipients may be requested by fax. . The request must be received by the original due date. If approved, you’ll receive up to 30 extra days to furnish the statements.
Failure to file a correct information return results in a penalty of at least $660 per information return, with no maximum penalty.
Plan Ahead When Preparing 1099 Forms
Getting an early start on 1099 preparation helps ensure accuracy and compliance with IRS 1099 requirements for the 2026 filing season. Begin by confirming vendor details, reviewing W-9s and checking which payments qualify for reporting. Establishing a clear timeline and communicating early with vendors and third-party processors can help prevent errors and last-minute stress once January arrives.
Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
Author: Ana Costa | [email protected]