Tax season can be stressful—especially for small business owners managing contractor payments. If you’ve hired freelancers or independent contractors in 2024, the IRS requires you to file 1099 forms for tax reporting. Luckily, QuickBooks Online makes it easy to generate and print 1099 forms!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to ensure you’re filing correctly and on time. Plus, we’ll cover common mistakes to avoid and how North One’s seamless QuickBooks integration can simplify tax season.

Understanding 1099 Forms

A 1099 form is a tax document used to report payments made to non-employee workers, such as freelancers, contractors, and independent professionals. Businesses must file this form with the IRS and provide a copy to each contractor who earned $600 or more in the previous year.

There are two common types of 1099 forms. The 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) is used to report payments to independent contractors. Meanwhile, the 1099-MISC covers other types of payments, such as rent, legal fees, and royalties. Most businesses filing for contractor payments will use the 1099-NEC form.

Key 2025 Tax Changes to Know

While the IRS hasn’t announced major changes to 1099 filing for 2025, it’s always best to check for updated regulations and deadlines. The deadline to send 1099 forms to contractors and file them with the IRS is typically January 31 each year.

How to Print 1099 Forms in QuickBooks Online (6 Steps)

Printing 1099 forms in QuickBooks Online is a straightforward process, but accuracy is crucial to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Follow these steps to generate and print your 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms properly:

Step 1: Confirm Your QuickBooks 1099 Settings

Before printing, you need to confirm that QuickBooks is set up to track 1099-eligible vendors correctly. To do this, navigate to Settings (⚙) and select Payroll & Contractors, then choose 1099s. Click Prepare 1099s, where you’ll review your account mapping to ensure that all relevant expenses are categorized appropriately. Only payments made via cash, check, or direct bank transfer require a 1099. Payments made through third-party processors like PayPal or Venmo do not, as those services issue their own tax documents.

Step 2: Ensure Your Vendors Are Properly Categorized

QuickBooks automatically categorizes vendors, but you should review each contractor’s details to prevent errors. Make sure each 1099 contractor is labeled as an independent contractor rather than an employee. Verify that their taxpayer identification number (TIN) and mailing address are accurate. Additionally, confirm that any payments meeting or exceeding the $600 threshold for the tax year are marked as 1099-eligible transactions. To check this, go to Expenses, select Vendors, and review each contractor’s information for accuracy.

Step 3: Generate the 1099 Form

Once your vendor information is verified, you can generate the 1099 forms. Go to Taxes and select 1099 filings, then click Prepare 1099s. Make sure you’ve selected the correct tax year (2024) so the system pulls the right payment records. QuickBooks will display a list of vendors and their total earnings for the year. Review this list carefully before clicking Next to confirm that all required information is included. If everything looks correct, proceed to E-file or Print to move forward with filing.

Step 4: Preview the 1099 Form

Before printing, it’s important to preview the 1099 form to catch any potential errors. Double-check that your business name, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and address match your official IRS records. Review contractor details and ensure that payment amounts align with your financial records. If you notice any discrepancies, you can return to the Vendors section and make any necessary edits before finalizing the form. Taking a few extra minutes at this stage can help you avoid reprints or IRS corrections later.

Step 5: Print the 1099 Form

Now that you’ve reviewed the details, you’re ready to print the forms. First, load official IRS 1099 forms into your printer, as these are required for proper filing. In QuickBooks Online, click Print and Mail, then adjust your printer settings if needed to ensure the forms align correctly. Once you’re satisfied with the formatting, print Copy B to send to your contractors and Copy C for your business records. It’s always a good idea to print a test page before running multiple copies to avoid misaligned or illegible forms.

Step 6: File with the IRS and Distribute Copies

With the printed forms in hand, you’ll need to send Copy A to the IRS. If you choose to e-file through QuickBooks, the software will automatically submit the form on your behalf. If filing by mail, make sure to send the documents well before the January 31 deadline to avoid penalties. In addition to filing with the IRS, be sure to send Copy B to each contractor by the same deadline. Keeping a digital backup of all forms is also a good practice in case you need to reference them later.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Even with QuickBooks Online’s streamlined 1099 filing process, small business owners may run into common issues. Here’s how to resolve them quickly:

  • Vendors Not Appearing in the 1099 List. If a vendor is missing, check if they are marked as 1099-eligible under Expenses > Vendors. Also, confirm that payments weren’t made via PayPal or credit card, which don’t require 1099 reporting.
  • Errors in the Printed Format. If forms are misaligned, adjust your printer’s scale and alignment settings before printing again. The IRS requires pre-printed 1099 forms, so formatting must align correctly. Print a test page first.
  • Incorrect or Missing Information. If a contractor’s name, TIN, or payment amount is wrong, update their details under Expenses > Vendors and regenerate the 1099. If you’ve already filed, submit a corrected 1099 to the IRS.
  • Reprinting a 1099 Form. If a contractor loses their copy, go to Taxes > 1099 filings, select the correct tax year, and click Print a Copy. Mark it as a duplicate to avoid confusion.
  • Ensuring IRS Compliance. Avoid penalties by filing forms before the January 31 deadline. If mailing forms, double-check the IRS filing address for your state. Keep digital backups for future reference.

If you encounter persistent issues, consider reaching out to a QuickBooks Advisor or tax professional for assistance. They can help ensure your filings are accurate and compliant, preventing potential IRS penalties or delays.

How North One Simplifies Tax Season

Managing 1099 forms is just one part of tax season, but keeping your finances organized year-round makes filing much easier. North One seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks, automatically tracking expenses, categorizing transactions, and keeping records up to date. With your North One account connected, payments to vendors and contractors are logged in real-time, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors.

By automating banking and bookkeeping tasks, North One saves you time and ensures your financial records are always ready for tax reporting. You can tag expenses, store digital receipts, and quickly verify 1099 payments—so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Whether you’re preparing tax forms or managing everyday finances, North One helps simplify the process so you can stay compliant without the hassle.

Now You Know How to Print 1099s in QuickBooks Online

Filing 1099 forms doesn’t have to be stressful. With QuickBooks handling the paperwork and North One seamlessly integrating with your accounting, you can simplify tax prep and stay compliant with ease. By keeping your financial records organized year-round, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and avoid last-minute scrambling when tax deadlines approach.

Take control of your business finances with North One’s smart banking features. Connect your account to QuickBooks today and make tax season—and every season—run more smoothly.