Contractors: What is a Form 1099-NEC

Understanding how to read Form 1099-NEC and what to do with it.

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Written by Melissa Compagnon
Updated over a week ago

Form 1099-NEC is a tax form used to report non-employee compensation. The term "NEC" stands for "Non-Employee Compensation." Businesses use Form 1099-NEC to report payments made to individuals who are not employees but have provided services to the business.

Here are key points about Form 1099-NEC:

Non-employee compensation (Box 1): The primary purpose of Form 1099-NEC is to report payments made to contractors, freelancers, or other non-employee service providers. Box 1 of the form specifically captures the total amount of non-employee compensation paid to the recipient.

$600 threshold: Payments of $600 or more made to a non-employee service provider during the tax year must be reported on Form 1099-NEC. This form is used to inform both the recipient and the IRS about the income earned by the non-employee.

Other boxes: In addition to Box 1, Form 1099-NEC may have other boxes for reporting specific types of payments or withholding, such as federal and state income tax withholding (Boxes 4 and 5), state information (Boxes 6 and 7), and other details.

Filing deadline: Businesses are required to provide a copy of Form 1099-NEC to the recipient by January 31 of the following year. The form must also be filed with the IRS by the end of February, or by the end of March if filed electronically.

Independent contractors: Individuals who receive Form 1099-NEC are considered independent contractors rather than employees. Unlike employees, independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes, including self-employment taxes.

It's important for businesses to accurately complete and submit Form 1099-NEC to comply with tax regulations and for recipients to report the income on their personal tax returns. The information provided on this form helps the IRS ensure that individuals accurately report their income and pay the appropriate taxes.


Form 1099-NEC Boxes

Below is a summary of Form 1099-NEC, and it's important to be aware that there could be additional considerations when completing each box. Refer to the IRS instructions for Form 1099-NEC for additional details and guidance.

  • Box 1 Non-employee compensation: payment made to a contractor that exceeds $600, covering fees, commissions, prizes, and awards for services rendered.

  • Box 2 Payer made direct sales totaling $5,000 or more of consumer products to recipients for resale: If marked, this signifies that you have obtained consumer products for resale through methods such as buy-sell, deposit-commission, or other arrangements. Fingercheck does not currently support this.

  • Box 3: Reserved for future use.

  • Box 4: Federal income tax withheld: indicates backup withholding. If you haven't provided your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to the payer, they are required to apply backup withholding on specific payments. Refer to Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, for details on backup withholding. Fingercheck does not currently support this.

  • Boxes 5-7 State tax withheld: State income tax withheld reporting boxes. Fingercheck does not currently support this.


FAQ

What is Form 1099-NEC?

Form 1099-NEC is a tax form utilized for reporting non-employee compensation. It is specifically designed for businesses to report payments made to individuals who provide services but are not considered employees.

What is the $600 threshold?

Payments exceeding $600 made to a non-employee service provider during the tax year must be reported on Form 1099-NEC.

When is the filing deadline?

Businesses are required to provide a copy of Form 1099-NEC to the recipient by January 31 of the following year. Employers must file Form 1099-NEC with the IRS by the end of February, or by the end of March if filed electronically.

What information does Form 1099-NEC provide?

Form 1099-NEC ensures accurate reporting of income, aiding the IRS in verifying individuals' income and facilitating appropriate tax payments.

Can I access my 1099-NET online?

If you elected to receive your 1099-NEC electronically, you can view it in Fingercheck. Learn more about accessing your forms with Employees: How to Find Your W-2 and Pay Stub Information.

What should I do if there's an error on my 1099-NEC?

If you notice an error on your 1099-NEC, contact the payer immediately to request a correction. It's important to have accurate information when filing your taxes.

What if I didn't receive my 1099-NEC?

If you haven't received your 1099-NEC by the end of January, contact the payer. They are required to provide you with a copy. If you still don't receive it, you can contact the IRS for assistance.

Please note: The information above is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Remember, tax laws and regulations can change, so it's always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or refer to the latest IRS guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.


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