The 1099-NEC deadline for 2026 payments: February 1, 2027

If you paid contractors in 2026, here are the dates and steps for your 1099-NECs, in plain English.

The key dates

• Monday, February 1, 2027: 1099-NEC due to each contractor and to the IRS. January 31, 2027 is a Sunday, so the deadline moves to Monday. There is no automatic extension for the 1099-NEC.
• Monday, March 1, 2027: paper 1099-MISC due to the IRS (Wednesday, March 31, 2027 if filed electronically). Recipient copies of the 1099-MISC are generally due February 1.
• 10 or more information returns in total? You must file electronically (for example through the IRS's free IRIS system).

What changed for 2026 payments: the $2,000 threshold

For payments made in 2026, the reporting threshold for the 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC rose from $600 to $2,000 (IRS Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC). Check your whole vendor list with the free 1099 checker. You'll likely file fewer forms, but you still need a W-9 from each vendor to know which ones.

Who gets a 1099-NEC

• Individuals, sole proprietors, single-member LLCs and partnerships you paid $2,000 or more for services in 2026.
• Lawyers you paid $2,000 or more for legal services, even if they're a corporation.
• Usually not corporations (other than for legal or medical payments), payments for goods only, or payments made by card or PayPal (those are reported on a 1099-K by the processor).

Not sure about one vendor? Use our free 1099 checker.

What it costs to be late

For returns due in 2027, IRS penalties are $60 per form if filed within 30 days of the due date, $130 if filed by August 1, and $340 after that or if never filed. A separate penalty can apply for each late or wrong contractor copy (IRS information return penalties). Example: 15 forms filed 45 days late could cost 15 × $130 for the IRS copies, plus the same again for the contractor copies.

Your 5-step plan (start now)

1. List everyone you paid for services in 2026, and how (check/ACH vs card).
2. Get a W-9 from anyone missing one. Check the name and TIN match (our free W-9 checker catches common errors).
3. Total each vendor's 2026 payments and apply the $2,000 threshold.
4. Send contractor copies and file with the IRS by February 1, 2027.
5. Keep W-9s on file. For vendors who never provide one, you may need to start backup withholding (24%).

Sources: IRS Publication 1099 (2026), About Form 1099-NEC, IRS penalties. Informational only, not tax advice. Ask your CPA about your situation.