Question 1

Can I still file 1099s after the January 31 deadline?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The IRS still accepts 1099-NEC filings after January 31. Penalties scale with how late you file: $60/form within 30 days, $130/form by August 1, and $340/form after that. Filing late is almost always better than not filing.

Question 2

What if my contractor never sent me a W-9?

Accepted Answer

You can still file the 1099 using the best information you have, but you should request a W-9 in writing and begin 24% backup withholding on any future payments. The IRS expects a documented good-faith request, not a perfect outcome.

Question 3

How do I know which contractors crossed the threshold?

Accepted Answer

For tax year 2026 the threshold is $2,000. Any contractor (sole proprietor, single-member LLC, or partnership) paid at or above that amount in the calendar year for services requires a 1099-NEC.

I missed the 1099 deadline. What now?

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