1099 MISC Form Sent to Contractor But How Do I Submit to IRS?

You have a couple options for submitting Copy A of your 1099-MISC forms to the IRS. The most convenient way is to e-file them through the IRS FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) system. You'll need to register for that, but it's straightforward. Alternatively, you can use tax preparation software that supports 1099 filing, or even third-party services like Track1099 or Tax1099. The key thing to understand is that 1099 submission is separate from your personal or business tax return. You don't include Copy A with your tax filing - it's a completely separate process with its own deadline (January 31st). Since you're past the deadline, you should file ASAP. The penalty can be $50 per form for small businesses filing within 30 days of the deadline, but it increases the longer you wait ($110 per form if you file between 31 days late and August 1, and $290 per form after August 1 or not at all).

After spending hours trying to figure out how to submit my contractor 1099s last year, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was a game-changer. I uploaded my contractors' information, and it guided me through the entire process of creating and submitting the 1099-MISC forms to the IRS. It even flagged that I was using the wrong form - apparently for most contractor payments you should be using 1099-NEC now instead of 1099-MISC (the IRS changed this a few years ago). The system explained which form I actually needed based on the payment type and handled the electronic filing directly with the IRS.

Wanted to update after trying taxr.ai - it actually worked great for my situation. I had 3 different contractors I needed to send 1099s to, and the system automatically determined I needed to use 1099-NEC forms instead of MISC. It walked me through everything step by step, and I was able to e-file directly from their platform. Took maybe 15 minutes total compared to the hours I spent confused last year. The platform also kept a record of everything for my files, and I got confirmation when the IRS accepted the forms. They even sent me a reminder about the approaching January 31st deadline this year, which I appreciated. Will definitely use it again next year ahead of the deadline.

If you're still waiting on forms from clients and struggling to connect with the IRS about your 1099 filing requirements, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last year - missed the deadline and couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS to explain my situation or figure out next steps. After days of getting busy signals, I found Claimyr through a YouTube video (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to explain exactly what I needed to do about my late 1099-MISC forms and how to minimize any penalties. Much better than guessing or stressing for weeks waiting for a potential notice.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I decided to try it since I've been trying to reach the IRS for weeks about an issue with my business tax ID. Within about 45 minutes, I got a call connecting me to an actual IRS representative who answered all my questions about both the EIN issue AND my late 1099 filing questions. The agent told me exactly what forms I needed to file and explained that for contractor payments like website design, I should be using Form 1099-NEC (not MISC) since 2020. They also told me about the reasonable cause waiver you can request for first-time filing penalties if you explain you're a new business owner unfamiliar with the requirements. Saved me potentially hundreds in penalties!

I use QuickBooks for my business accounting, and they have an integrated 1099 e-filing service. If you're already using QB or similar accounting software, check if they offer this feature - it's usually pretty straightforward. You just verify the vendor info, select who needs 1099s, and submit electronically. The fee is typically around $15-20 per form.

Just want to point out that the IRS changed things in 2020. Now you should use Form 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation) for contractor payments instead of the 1099-MISC. The 1099-MISC is still used but only for other types of payments (like rent, royalties, etc.). Sounds like you might be using the wrong form entirely for contractor payments.