What information do I need to send a 1099?
James Williams
Published Feb 12, 2026
Before you can complete and submit a 1099, you’ll need to have the following information on hand for each independent contractor:
- The total amount you paid them during the tax year.
- Their legal name.
- Their address.
Do I need to issue a 1099 to a company?
The 1099 form is used to report non-employment income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Businesses are required to issue a 1099 form to a payee who has received at least $600 or more during the tax year.
How do I know if I need to send someone a 1099?
As a general rule, you must issue a Form 1099-MISC to each person to whom you have paid at least $600 in rents, services (including parts and materials), prizes and awards or other income payments. You don’t need to issue 1099s for payments made for personal purposes.
When do you do not need a 1099 tax form?
You do not need to send this form to vendors of storage, freight, merchandise, or related items or when rent is paid to a real estate agent. Payments made by PayPal or another third-party network, gift card, debit card, or credit card also don’t require a 1099.
Do you have to send a 1099 to a vendor?
Yes; vendors who operate as C- or S-Corporations do not require a 1099. You do not need to send this form to vendors of storage, freight, merchandise, or related items or when rent is paid to a real estate agent. Payments made by PayPal or another third-party network, gift card, debit card, or credit card also don’t require a 1099.
Where do I pick up a 1099 form?
It’s important to note that you must pick up 1099 forms from the post office or an IRS service center. They cannot be downloaded from the IRS website. All 1099s need to be submitted along with a 1096 form within one month.
When to send a 1099 to a lawyer?
There are also special rules for lawyers; you need to send your lawyer a 1099 for payments of more than $600 even if she is incorporated. A smart strategy for business owners is to ask for a W-9 up front for any vendor to whom you will pay more than $600 in a year.
