Did you know that we actually audit each other? That is really what the 1099 reporting requirements are all about. The IRS matches the 1099's that are sent to them, to the tax returns of the recipients to see if all income is reported. In a IRS audit, the auditor has a copy of all of the 1099's that were sent with your name on them, and reconciles those amounts back to your books and tax returns. You can see why the government has stiff penalties if you do not send 1099's - we are helping them to audit. It is that time of year again to determine who should receive a Form 1099. The IRS requires that you send a Form 1099 to all individuals (not corporations) to whom you paid $600.00 or more for services, interest or rent. There is one exception to this. Any payments to a corporation for legal fees in excess of $600.00 are reportable on Form 1099-MISC. The due date in sending the 1099 to the recipient is January 31st, and the due date for sending the copy to the IRS is the end of February. The penalty's range for not complying with the filing of Form 1099 is normally $100.00 for each form not properly completed and timely filed. In addition, you are also required to have a W-9 on file, for non-incorporated businesses that you pay over $600.00 during the year for tax deductible services. If you do not have a W-9 on file, it is possible that the IRS could fine you as much as 28% of the amount paid.
