Who this is for
Businesses that paid contractors, freelancers or other non-employees during the year and want the totals right. It fits owners who paid people by check, bank transfer or cash and are unsure who needs a form.
What we do
We collect a W-9 from each contractor if you do not have one, total what you paid each person from your books, and flag who may need a form. Payments made by credit card or through a payment network are generally reported by the processor on a different form, not by you, so we separate those from the rest. We then prepare the 1099-NEC forms for your review. Filing with the IRS and sending copies to contractors goes through your accounting software or a filing service, and we set that up with you.
The deadline for 1099-NEC forms is generally January 31, or the next business day when that falls on a weekend. The amount that triggers a form has changed in recent law, so we confirm the figure for your tax year each time instead of assuming it.
What we need from you
Your books or bank and card statements for the year, and each contractor's name, address and W-9 details. If your books are behind, we recommend catch-up first, because the totals are only as good as the records.
How it is priced
A fixed price quoted in writing before we start, based on how many contractors you paid. It can be added to monthly bookkeeping.
What we do not do
We do not give tax advice or decide whether someone is a contractor or an employee. That is a legal question, and New Jersey applies its own test, so ask a professional if you are unsure. We do not file income tax returns. If you run payroll through a provider, the provider usually issues W-2s, and we can check the payroll totals against your books.
Common questions
Who needs a 1099?
Generally, a business that pays an independent contractor above the current reporting amount for services in a year. There are exceptions, so we check each payee.
What if a contractor will not give me a W-9?
Ask in writing and keep the request. We help you document it, and a professional can tell you what the rules require.
Do you e-file the forms?
We prepare them for your review. Filing and delivery go through your software or a filing service, and we set that up with you.
Can you do last year's forms if I missed the deadline?
We can prepare them. Penalties can apply for late forms, so ask a tax professional about your situation.