Where can I find PRIOR YEARS 1099 NEC forms for 2021 and 2022?

The red copies you're finding are just examples/reference copies and aren't meant to be filed. For prior year 1099 NECs, you have a few options: While waiting for your mailed forms, you can also check with tax software providers like QuickBooks, TaxAct, or TurboTax - many offer prior year form generation for business returns including 1099s. Some office supply stores also sell prior year tax forms including 1099s. Regarding your second question: No, you don't need to submit the actual 1099 NEC forms with your personal tax return. As a business owner, you'll file these forms separately from your personal return. The 1099 NECs go directly to both the recipient and the IRS. When you file your business return (Schedule C if you're a sole proprietor), you'll report the payments as business expenses, but you don't attach the 1099s to your 1040. Make sure you're also filing Form 1096 (Annual Summary and Transmittal) to summarize all the 1099s you're submitting to the IRS for each tax year.

I went through this exact headache last year! After struggling to find prior year 1099 NEC forms, I discovered taxr.ai at https://taxr.ai and it was a lifesaver. I uploaded my old records and it helped me generate all the necessary forms including prior year 1099 NECs. What's great is it formats everything correctly for the IRS and keeps records of what you've submitted. The system even flagged a potential issue with contractor classifications that could have triggered an audit. For catching up on multiple years of business filings like you're doing, it seriously saved me hours of frustration and prevented potential mistakes.

Just wanted to follow up - I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here and it worked perfectly for my situation! I was able to generate all my prior year 1099 NECs (2021 and 2022) within minutes. The interface walked me through exactly what information was needed, and I could download properly formatted forms ready for filing. It also helped me figure out how to properly submit them to the IRS at this point, since they're late. The system flagged potential penalties but showed me how to include an explanation letter to possibly reduce them. I'm so relieved to finally have this sorted after months of confusion!

If your main issue is actually getting someone at the IRS to help with these prior year forms, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in the same boat trying to figure out prior year filings and couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS for weeks. Claimyr got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent explained my options for the prior year 1099 NEC forms and even processed my request for them over the phone. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Honestly, one phone call with an actual IRS representative solved what I'd been struggling with for weeks.

I need to apologize for being skeptical above. After another frustrating morning of busy signals from the IRS, I decided to try Claimyr. Within 35 minutes (they estimated 45), I was talking to an actual IRS business tax specialist! The agent confirmed I could use software to generate prior year 1099 NECs and explained exactly how to submit them properly at this point. They also set up an appointment with a tax advocate to review my specific situation since I'm dealing with multiple years. After months of stress, I finally have clear direction on how to proceed. Sometimes it's worth admitting when you're wrong - this service actually delivers exactly what it promises.

One option nobody's mentioned yet is using the IRS Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system. You can file prior year 1099s electronically through that system and avoid the whole paper form hassle. I believe they support going back several years. If you're doing multiple 1099s, this is probably the most efficient route. The system will validate your submissions immediately so you know if there are any problems.

Just a heads up - make sure you're also considering any potential late filing penalties for these prior year 1099 NECs. The penalty ranges from $50 to $280 per form depending on how late they are and whether the IRS considers it intentional disregard. If you have a reasonable cause for filing late, include a statement explaining the circumstances. The IRS can waive penalties if you can show reasonable cause for not filing on time.

For the 1099 NEC forms, you can also check with local office supply stores like Staples or OfficeDepot - they sometimes carry prior year tax forms in stock, especially during tax season. I found 2021 forms at my local Staples last year when I was in a similar situation. Regarding penalties, if you're filing these 1099s now for 2021 and 2022, you're definitely looking at late filing penalties. However, since your contractor already reported the income on their tax returns, this works in your favor for penalty abatement. The IRS is more lenient when the income was properly reported by the recipient even if the 1099 was filed late. When you submit the forms, include a letter explaining that this is your first time filing 1099s as a small business owner, you've been working to get compliant, and the recipients have already properly reported the income. This reasonable cause explanation can help reduce or eliminate penalties. Also, double-check that you actually need to issue 1099 NECs - you only need them if you paid $600 or more to non-corporate contractors during the tax year. If your contractor was incorporated, you generally don't need to issue a 1099 NEC at all.