What To Know About IRS Form 1099

Tax compliance is a critical part of managing rental properties, and for landlords, understanding IRS Form 1099 is essential. This form—or, more accurately, this collection of forms—documents various types of payments and income that typically do not come from traditional employment. Here, we explore what IRS Form 1099 is, how it applies to landlords, and the steps necessary to complete it.

What is IRS Form 1099?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099 is a group of federal income tax forms used to report payments made to individuals or businesses that aren’t classified as traditional employment income. These forms are critical for documenting taxable income that might otherwise go unreported. Landlords and other taxpayers can encounter multiple types of Form 1099, depending on the nature of payments received or made during the year.

What Does Form 1099 Report?

Form 1099 captures income or payments in various categories, such as:

• Nonemployee compensation paid to freelancers and independent contractors (Form 1099-NEC).
• Rent or royalty payments (Form 1099-MISC).
• Interest income (Form 1099-NT).
• Dividends or distributions from investments (Form 1099-DIV).
• Proceeds from real estate sales (Form 1099-S).

The payer is responsible for completing the appropriate form, providing copies to the payee and the IRS, and, in some cases, submitting it to state taxing authorities. The furnishing statements to recipients for Forms 1099-B, 1099-MISC, and 1099-S is February 27, 2025.

When Is Form 1099 Used?

Form 1099 is used in a variety of scenarios involving income outside of traditional wages. Common examples include:

• Payments to independent contractors exceeding $600 (Form 1099-NEC).
• Rental income or royalties paid to landlords.
• Interest or dividend income from investments.
• Gross proceeds from real estate transactions.

As a landlord, you may receive Form 1099-MISC for rental payments or Form 1099-S if you sold property. Conversely, landlords who pay independent contractors for property maintenance or other services must issue Form 1099-NEC if payments exceed $600 during the year.

Who Should Receive Form 1099?

A Form 1099 income tax return is issued to individuals, businesses, or entities that are not your traditional employer but have made reportable payments. Here are some key scenarios for landlords.

• Form 1099-NEC: Self employment taxes issued to contractors or freelancers you paid $600 or more for services related to your rental business.
• Form 1099-MISC: Received for rental income, royalty payments, or prize winnings.
• Form 1099-S: Received when you sell real estate and need to report gross proceeds.

Payers who make payments below the $600 threshold are not required to issue a 1099 form, but the income is still taxable and must be reported.

Types of 1099 Forms

The IRS has created multiple variants of Form 1099 to accommodate different income and payment types. Here are some that landlords may encounter:

Form 1099-MISC

This form is used for miscellaneous income, such as rent, royalties, and prize winnings. Landlords often receive this form for rental income and must ensure the amounts reported match their records.

Form 1099-NEC

This form reports non-employee compensation. If you hire a contractor or vendor for repairs, maintenance, or another service and pay them $600 or more during the year, you must issue them a Form 1099-NEC for tax payments.

Form 1099-S

Used to report gross proceeds paid from the sale of real estate. If you sell property, the closing agent or attorney will typically issue this form. You, as a landlord, do not typically file Form 1099-S. This form is filed by the party handling the sale of your property, usually the closing agent.

Form 1099-INT

Issued for interest payments, such as those earned on savings accounts. If you have a rental property escrow account earning interest, you may receive this form.

Form 1099-C

Issued for canceled debt. If a lender forgives part of your mortgage or other debts, this form reports the forgiven amount as taxable income.

Form 1099-DIV

Used to report dividends or distributions from investments. This form may be relevant if you invest rental income in dividend-paying securities.

What Information Do I Need to Complete Form 1099?

Landlords responsible for issuing a 1099 form (e.g., to their contractors or vendors) should gather the following documents and information:

• Details of payments made, including dates and amounts
• Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) for payees
• Receipts or invoices supporting the payments
• Accurate records of any withheld taxes

Organizing this information in advance helps ensure the form is completed accurately and submitted on time.

Components of a 1099 Form

Each variant of Form 1099 includes similar sections tailored to its specific purpose. Common components include:

• Payer Information: Includes the name, address, and TIN of the person or business issuing the form.
• Recipient Information: Includes the name, address, and TIN of the person or entity receiving the payment.
• Payment Details: Breaks down the type and amount of payment, such as non-employee compensation, rental income, or interest.
• State Reporting Information: In some cases, it includes details for state income tax reporting.

How to Report Payments With Form 1099

Follow these steps to complete and file Form 1099:

1. Gather information. Collect all necessary payment records and verify the recipient’s TIN and other details.
2. Fill out the form. Enter the payer and recipient information, including names, addresses, and TINs. Report payment amounts in the appropriate sections.
3. File the form. Submit the completed form to the IRS, the recipient, and if applicable, your state taxing authority. This can be done electronically or by mail.
4. Keep records. Retain copies of the completed forms and supporting documents for at least three years in case of audits or discrepancies.

Conclusion

IRS Form 1099 serves as a critical tool for documenting taxable payments and ensuring compliance with tax laws. For landlords, it’s essential to understand the various types of 1099 forms, when they apply, and how to handle them properly. By staying organized and proactive, landlords can simplify tax reporting and avoid potential penalties.

Disclaimer: Ledgre does not provide tax or legal advice. All information and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Contact a tax professional for advice with respect to a specific tax matter.