Wait. Before you panic-search the IRS website for hours, let’s get one thing straight: you don't usually "get" a 1099 form by filling it out yourself. That's the most common mistake people make during tax season. Honestly, it’s a bit of a waiting game, but there are specific levers you can pull if your mail carrier is slacking or your former client has gone ghost.
Tax season is basically the Olympics for freelancers and independent contractors, and the 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC is your entry ticket. If you've earned more than $600 from a single entity, they are legally required to send that form to you. But what if they don’t? What if you moved? Or what if you're a business owner and you're the one who needs to give them out?
Why haven't I received my 1099 yet?
The deadline for businesses to mail out 1099-NEC forms is January 31. If you’re sitting there on February 5th with an empty mailbox, don't lose your mind just yet. Mail takes time. Also, many companies have moved to digital-only delivery. You might have a "How can I get a 1099 form" notification buried in your "Promotions" tab in Gmail or sitting inside a portal like Gusto, Rippling, or Workday.
Check your email. Seriously. Search for "Tax Document" or "1099."
If you were a gig worker for a massive platform like Uber, DoorDash, or Fiverr, they almost never mail paper forms unless you specifically opted into it months ago. You have to log into your driver or seller dashboard. Usually, there’s a "Tax Information" or "Earnings" tab. That is where your 1099-K or 1099-NEC is hiding. For instance, Uber typically requires you to hit a $20,000 threshold and 200 transactions for a 1099-K, but state laws vary wildly now, with some states triggering forms at just $600.
The "I never got it" protocol
So, you checked the portals. You checked the mail. Nothing.
First step: Contact the payer. It sounds obvious, but a quick email to the accounting department or your former point of contact usually fixes this. Maybe they have an old address on file because you forgot to update your W-9. It happens to the best of us. Ask them for a PDF copy. It’s faster, safer, and you can't lose it in a stack of junk mail.
What if they ignore you?
This is where it gets slightly annoying. If it's past February 15 and you've tried reaching out with no luck, you can actually call the IRS. The number is 800-829-1040. You’ll need to provide your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and the dates you worked. You also need the payer's name and address. The IRS will send a letter to the employer telling them to get their act together and send you the form.
Does the IRS already have my 1099?
Most likely, yes.
When a company files a 1099, they send a copy to you and a copy to the IRS. If you want to see exactly what the IRS sees, you can request a Tax Transcript. This is a lifesaver. You go to the IRS "Get Your Tax Record" page and look for the "Wage and Income Transcript." It won't look like the pretty 1099 form you’re used to, but it contains all the data you need to file your taxes accurately.
Just keep in mind that transcripts might not be fully updated until late February or March. If you’re an early bird filer, this might slow you down.
Understanding which 1099 you actually need
Not all 1099s are created equal. This is where people get tripped up.
If you did freelance work, you’re looking for the 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation). This form replaced the old 1099-MISC for most independent contractor payments a few years back. If you got a 1099-MISC, it's usually for things like rent payments, prizes, awards, or other "miscellaneous" income.
Then there is the 1099-K. If you sell stuff on Etsy or eBay, or if you take payments via Square or PayPal, this is your form. There has been a lot of back-and-forth in Congress about the $600 threshold for 1099-K reporting. As of right now, the IRS has delayed the strict $600 rule multiple times, but many platforms are already issuing them anyway to stay ahead of the curve.
How to get a 1099 form if you are the business owner
Flip the script for a second. Maybe you aren't the freelancer—maybe you’re the boss. You’re the one asking, "How can I get a 1099 form to give to my contractors?"
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Do not go to Staples and buy those red-ink forms unless you really love manual labor and have a typewriter.
The easiest way to get and file 1099s is through e-filing services. Software like Track1099, Yearli, or even the built-in tools in QuickBooks and Xero make this incredibly simple. You input the contractor’s info (from the W-9 they should have given you), pay a few bucks per form, and the service handles the rest. They mail the paper copy to the contractor, e-file with the IRS, and even handle state filing requirements.
If you absolutely insist on doing it the old-fashioned way, you can order official forms from the IRS website for free. You cannot just print a PDF of the red-ink Form 1099-NEC from the internet and mail it in. The IRS uses high-speed scanners that require the "official" red ink. If you print it on your home inkjet, you’re asking for a penalty.
What happens if I just don't file the 1099?
Bad idea. Seriously.
The IRS’s automated system is very good at "matching." If a company reports they paid you $5,000 and that $5,000 doesn't show up on your Form 1040, a computer will eventually flag it. You’ll get a letter in the mail (Notice CP2000) proposing an increase in your taxes, plus interest and potentially penalties.
If you know you earned the money, but you absolutely cannot get the form, you should still report the income. You don't need the physical 1099 to report the money you made. Use your own accounting records, bank statements, or invoices. It’s better to be accurate than to wait for a form that might never come.
Common misconceptions about 1099s
- "I didn't get a form, so I don't owe taxes." Wrong. The $600 threshold is for the payer’s requirement to send the form. You, as the recipient, are technically required to report every single dollar of profit, even if it's $5.
- "My 1099 is wrong." This happens. Maybe they included reimbursed expenses that shouldn't be there. If that's the case, you need to ask the payer for a "Corrected" 1099. Don't just ignore it and file what you think is right; the IRS will see the discrepancy.
- "I'm an LLC, I don't get 1099s." Sorta. If you are a Single Member LLC, you still get them. If you are taxed as an S-Corp or C-Corp, generally, businesses don't have to send you a 1099-NEC, though there are exceptions for legal services and medical payments.
Actionable steps to secure your 1099 today
If you are still staring at your desk wondering how can I get a 1099 form, follow this exact sequence:
- Audit your bank deposits. List every client who paid you more than $600 in the last calendar year.
- Log into the "Big Three" portals. Check Stripe, PayPal, and any payroll software (Gusto, etc.) used by your clients. Look for a "Documents" or "Tax" section.
- Send the "Friendly Nudge" email. To any client who hasn't sent a form, write: "Hi [Name], I'm getting my tax records together. Will you be issuing a 1099-NEC for my services last year, or should I rely solely on my own records? If it's already available via a portal, could you point me in the right direction?"
- Download your IRS Transcript. If it’s late February, go to the IRS website and pull your "Wage and Income Transcript" to see what has been reported under your SSN or EIN.
- Reconcile with your invoices. If a 1099 shows more than you actually received, demand a correction immediately. If it shows less, report the higher amount based on your records to stay safe.
Managing these forms is the least "creative" part of being a creator or small business owner, but getting it right saves you a massive amount of stress in the long run. Don't wait until April 14th to start hunting these down. If the paperwork doesn't exist, file based on your own books—honesty with the IRS is always the path of least resistance.
Next Steps for You:
Compile a list of everyone who paid you over $600 last year. Cross-reference this with your current stack of forms. For any missing entries, send out your request emails today. If you are a business owner who missed the January 31 deadline, use an e-file service like Track1099 immediately to minimize late-filing penalties, which can escalate quickly depending on how many days past the deadline you are. Finally, ensure you have an updated W-9 on file with all current clients to prevent address issues for next year's cycle.