1099 checklist: what to do before February 1, 2027

The 1099-NEC for 2026 payments is due to each contractor and to the IRS on Monday, February 1, 2027. There's no automatic extension. Work through this list in November and December, not in late January.

  1. Pull 2026 payments by payee. Count only payments for services. Leave out card and PayPal payments, because those are reported on a 1099-K.
  2. Apply the $2,000 threshold. For payments made in 2026 the 1099-NEC threshold is $2,000, up from $600 (see our deadline guide).
  3. Collect missing W-9s now. See how to collect W-9s.
  4. Check every TIN. Confirm 9 digits, the right format and that the name matches. Use IRS TIN Matching if you have access.
  5. Choose how to file. 10 or more information returns in total means you must e-file (IRS IRIS is free), or let your CPA file.
  6. Send the contractor copies by Feb 1. Late or wrong forms can cost $60 to $340 per form, and the penalty can apply to both the IRS copy and the contractor's copy.

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Sources: IRS: About Form W-9, About Form 1099-NEC, IRS penalties. Informational only, not tax, legal or insurance advice.