What forms do I need to file for contractors I paid this year?

It depends on who the contractors are and how much you paid them, but for most U.S. businesses, the main form is:

Likely required form

• Form 1099-NEC — for payments to independent contractors, freelancers, sole proprietors, and some LLCs
  • Generally required if you paid a contractor $600 or more during the year for services.
  • Usually filed with the IRS and sent to the contractor.

Common related form

• Form W-9 — you should have each contractor complete this to collect:
  • legal name
  • business name
  • address
  • tax classification
  • taxpayer ID number

If you paid by credit card or payment app

• You may not file 1099-NEC for those payments if they were processed by a third-party settlement network.
• In some cases, the processor may issue Form 1099-K instead.

If the contractor is a corporation

• Generally, you don’t need to issue 1099-NEC to a C corporation or S corporation, with some exceptions.

Also important

• If you withheld backup withholding tax, you may need to file:
  • Form 945 and related withholding reporting.

Deadlines (typical)

• Send 1099-NEC to contractors: by January 31
• File with IRS: by January 31 as well

If you want, I can help you figure out exactly which forms apply based on:

1. what kind of business you have,
2. how you paid them, and
3. whether they’re individuals, LLCs, or corporations.