4 Reasons to File Form 1099

1) Payments made to independent contractors. Payments to independent contractors over $600 need to be issued a Form 1099-Miscellaneous.  This form needs to be issued to all unincorporated vendors.  An unincorporated business is one that is a sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability company (“LLC”).

2) Rent paid to an unincorporated entity.  Receipients of rent payments must also be issued a 1099.
3) Any payments to an attorney for legal services. Any payments made to an attorney for legal services need to issued a 1099.  It does not matter if the attorney is incorporated or not.  All payments for legal services must be issued a 1099.

4) You don’t like paying penalties.  The federal government has finally gotten serious about the “Tax – Gap.”  This is the difference between what the government is collecting in tax receipts and what they have projected they should be collecting. The last estimate of this was about $400 billion.  This “underground economy” where no income tax has been paid is huge.  Failure to report income on Form-1099 could result in large penalties to the payor.

To properly complete Form 1099, you will need to obtain Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.  This form will indicate the vendor’s name, address, legal entity and whether they are subject to backup withholding.  Form W-9 is not sent to the IRS.  This form is merely maintained on file. This form should be obtained from the vendor prior to them beginning to work for you.

The 1099’s are sent with a summary transmittal, Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns.  They are due to the recipient by January 31.  Form 1099 is due at the IRS buy February 28.  As with other correspondence with the tax authorities, we recommend these be mailed Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. States may also have filing requirements.  In Connecticut, Form CT-1096 must be filed along with the state copy of the 1099’s

ACTION ITEM: Taxpayers need to be familiar with the filing requirements of Form 1099.

Tom Scanlon has over thirty years experience in public accounting with an extensive background in the areas of financial, tax, and estate planning. He prides himself on providing in-depth and customized solutions to privately held businesses and their owners. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner®. Tom is a frequent speaker for area organizations and has  recently been quoted on CNBC, Fox 61 News and AARP's blog. Tom also has been a guest columnist for numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Money Magazine, The Hartford Courant, The Hartford Business Journal, and The New Haven Register. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Financial Planning Association. Active in the community, Tom supports a variety of not-for-profit organizations.

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