Can I Get a Copy of My 1099 Online?

A Form 1099 is a tax document that records various types of income received from sources other than an employer. This includes income from independent contractor work, interest earned, dividends, and other miscellaneous payments. These forms are crucial for accurate tax filing, helping both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and individual taxpayers track income that has not had taxes withheld. Understanding how to obtain a copy of your 1099 is important for fulfilling your tax obligations.

Obtaining Your 1099 From the Payer

The most direct way to obtain your Form 1099 is from the entity or individual who paid you the income, known as the payer. Many payers, such as banks, investment firms, or businesses that engage independent contractors, provide secure online portals for accessing these tax documents. You typically need your account login credentials (username, password) and other identifying information like your Social Security Number (SSN) or account number to access these portals.

Once logged into a payer’s online platform, navigate to the tax documents or statements section, which often allows you to view, download, or print your 1099 forms. If an online option is not readily available or accessible, contact the payer directly via phone or email to request a duplicate copy be mailed. Payers are generally required to send out 1099 forms by January 31st following income payment.

Accessing Your 1099 Information From the IRS

If you are unable to obtain your 1099 directly from the payer, the IRS offers a tool called Get Transcript Online. This online service allows access to a “Wage and Income Transcript,” which includes information from various Forms 1099 filed with the IRS. The transcript typically contains data from forms like 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R, and 1099-B.

To use the Get Transcript Online tool, you must undergo identity verification through the IRS’s Secure Access authentication process. This process requires specific personal information, including your Social Security Number, date of birth, filing status, and current address from your last filed tax return. You will also need a financial account number, such as a credit card, mortgage, or auto loan, and a text-enabled mobile phone in your name for multi-factor authentication. If online verification is not possible, you can request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days for delivery.

What to Do If You Cannot Get Your 1099

If you have made good-faith efforts to obtain your 1099 from both the payer and through IRS transcripts but remain unsuccessful, you should contact the IRS directly for assistance. The general IRS phone number for tax help is 1-800-829-1040. You will need to provide your personal information, including your Social Security Number, and payer details (name, address, phone number) so the IRS can attempt contact.

Taxpayers are obligated to report all income, even if they do not possess the official Form 1099. If you cannot obtain the form in time for filing, you may need to estimate your income accurately using other records, such as bank statements or payment receipts. If the form is missing or incorrect, you might need to use Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2) or Form 1099-R to explain its absence. Maintaining thorough records of your attempts to acquire the form is advisable.