This month, we are ordering IRS information returns forms to ensure we receive them in time by the end of the year. The IRS allows you to order these FREE information returns forms to ensure all content is entered the same way. **Note: if you have to submit more than 10, you must file them electronically.
***2026 YEAR *** Increased reporting thresholds: Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the thresholds for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC will increase from $600 to $2,000 for the 2026 tax year. This threshold will be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years, starting in 2027.
Note: I update this post each year with the current information.
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Who needs forms and can get free forms?
This post is for solopreneurs who hire subcontractors, small business owners with fewer than 10 employees (including the owner), and entrepreneurs with fewer than 10 employees or who have subcontractors.
What forms do you probably need and can get from the IRS for Free?
The IRS Information Returns forms you can order for FREE from the IRS website are as follows.
There are a lot more returns listed on the website, but here are just some of the list:
Forms for employees:
Below are the forms you probably need for employees. Pro Tip: Get a few more so you have them just in case you make a mistake or it prints incorrectly.
- Wage and Tax Statement Form W-2
- Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements Form W-3
- Instruction W-2 & W-3 General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3
- Form W-2C form
- Form W-3
- Form W-3c correction
Forms for subcontractors:
Below are for subcontractors, rent, and others; check the instructions in the 1099-MISC & NEC booklet for the entire list and who you need to give a 1099 to. Pro Tip: Get a few more so you have them just in case you make a mistake or it prints incorrectly.
- Form 1096 Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns
- Form 1099-MISC Miscellaneous Income
- Inst. 1099-MISC & NEC Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC
- Form 1099-NEC Nonemployee Compensation
- Publication 15: Employer’s Tax Guide
The completed list is on the IRS website at Online Ordering for information returns and employer returns.
Note: You can order only two years—the previous year and the current year.
Perfect for Business Bookkeeping for the self-employed to small businesses with contractors and employees.
Features include Invoicing, Billing and Payments, Expenses, Accounting, Payroll, and more! Try it Today!
There are some limitations to ordering quantities from the IRS.
You can order the instructions and publications booklets. Remember that some forms come attached with 2 or 3 sheets. If you order an instruction booklet, you will probably only need one.
To save time and money, I order the current year’s information return forms from the IRS for my bookkeeping clients (affiliate) in August each year. These information forms are used to give information to the government about your employees, subcontractors, and clients (affiliate) that you worked with during the current year. I order a few more than what my clients (affiliate) need, just in case I make mistakes when printing. It also helps me feel less stressed and reduces my cost when I need them in January.
I like to compare the employees’ and subcontractors’ total paychecks and invoices to the amount on the P&L report to make sure they match at this time. If there is an issue, I then address it to the person.
Where to Order the IRS Information Returns Forms?
Here is the link to Order paper information returns and employer returns. Be sure to order a little extra in case of mistakes. Also, be sure to order correction returns in case you file a form with the IRS that is incorrect.
You can also file your W-2 information electronically with the Social Security Administration. Here is the link. This site also allows you to check that Social Security numbers are legitimate before hiring personnel. Be sure to register in advance to speed up the process at the end of the year.
This task saves me time at the end of the year since I prepare my clients’ W-2s and 1099s. I hope you find this helpful too.
Be sure to visit our other posts about informational forms for this year.
Making A Small Business 1099 Tracking Sheet
Please note that these are affiliate links through Amazon (affiliate). At no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
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