IRS Modifies 1099 Forms & (Re) Introduces 1099-NEC

Sep 01, 2020

The IRS is making some significant changes to the 1099 process. Beginning with the 2020 tax year, a new 1099-NEC form will be used for reporting non employee compensation (NEC) payments. Previously NEC was reported in Box 7 of the 1099-MISC form. These payments will now be reported in Box 1 of the new 1099-NEC form. The 1099-NEC made an appearance in the 1980’s and is now making a comeback to alleviate deadline confusion caused by separate deadlines for Form 1099-MISC that report NEC in box 7 and all other Form 1099-MISC for paper filers and electronic filers. Companies will start reporting on the new Form 1099-NEC in January 2021.

There are several parts of the new 1099-NEC form worth noting:

  • Box 1 is where you key in the dollar amount of non employee compensation.
  • Box 4 is used for any amount you held back to comply with backup withholding requirements.
  • Boxes 5-7 are used to report any state withholding.

In addition, the removal of NEC payments on the 1099-MISC form has resulted in a reordering of information and corresponding boxes. These changes are listed below:

  • Box 7 is where you will now key in payer-made direct sales of $5000 or more
  • Box 9 is where you will report crop insurance proceeds
  • Box 10 is used for gross proceeds to an attorney
  • Box 12 is for Section 409A deferrals
  • Box 14 is for reporting non qualified deferred compensation income
  • Boxes 15, 16, and 17 is where you will report state taxes withheld, the state identification number, and the amount of income earned in the state.

The deadline for both paper and electronic filing of the 1099-NEC form for 2020 is February 1 for both the recipient and the IRS. The 1099-MISC is due to recipients by February 1 while they are due to the IRS by March 1 for paper filing and March 31st for electronic filing.

For up-to-date information on these changes, you can visit the IRS website or connect with us at 419.891.1040.

By: Aaron Gray, Accountant

Categories: Tax Compliance