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As an S corporation, you likely manage various operational tasks such as business planning, employee management, and financial matters. It's common for S corporations to question whether they need to receive and/or issue Form 1099 for tax purposes. This article explores the Form 1099 requirements for S corporations and clarifies whether an S corporation is required to obtain a 1099 form or issue one to other businesses.
Key Takeaways:
To file 1099 forms accurately, businesses should request Form W-9 from S corporations to obtain essential details such as the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and tax classification.
Generally, S corporations do not receive 1099 forms, as their income is reported on the shareholders' personal tax returns. However, exceptions exist for certain payments, such as legal services and for-profit healthcare providers.
Depending on the nature of its payments or income, an S corporation might receive Forms 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, or other 1099 Forms.
If a 1099 is mistakenly sent to an S corporation, issue a corrected form and notify the S corporation to avoid complications.
S corporations are a specific type of business entity that allows income, losses, deductions, and credits to pass directly to shareholders for federal tax purposes. This means shareholders report these items on their tax returns and pay taxes at their individual rates, avoiding the double taxation typically faced by regular corporations. To qualify as an S corporation, a business must:
Be a U.S. Corporation: Your business must be in the United States.
Have Eligible Shareholders: Shareholders can be individuals, certain trusts, or estates but cannot include partnerships, other corporations, or non-resident aliens.
Limit Shareholders: You cannot have more than 100 shareholders.
Issue Only One Class of Stock: You must only have one type of stock.
Exception: Certain financial institutions, insurance companies, and domestic and international sales corporations do not qualify as S corporations.
Does an S Corporation get a 1099 Form?
According to the IRS's general rules, an S corporation does not receive a 1099 Form; the same goes for a C corporation. S corporations are exempt from receiving Form 1099 because they are pass-through entities; their income is reported directly on the owners’ tax returns rather than at the corporate level. However, a few exceptions for certain payments still require a 1099 Form, even if the recipient is an S corporation.
Substitute payments instead of tax-exempt interest or dividends.
Example: ABC Consulting, a small business, hires an S corporation, "Legal Solutions Inc.," to provide legal services throughout the year. ABC Consulting pays Legal Solutions Inc. $5,000 for these services. Even though Legal Solutions Inc. is an S corporation, payments for legal services must be reported to the IRS, regardless of the recipient's business structure. Therefore, ABC Consulting must issue Form 1099-NEC to Legal Solutions Inc. for the $5,000 paid during the tax year. This exception ensures transparency in reporting specific types of transactions, such as payments for legal services.
S Corporations may be exempt from 1099s, but legal, healthcare, and certain payments still require filing! Stay IRS-compliant and avoid penalties—E-file your 1099s quickly & securely with TaxBandits today!
What are the common 1099 Forms that an S Corp gets?
Although S Corporation generally does not receive Form 1099s, you may still receive certain 1099 forms in specific situations. Here are common 1099 forms an S Corp might receive.
Form 1099-NEC: If your S Corp may hire independent contractors or freelancers for various services. If the total payment to any contractors is $600 or more during the year, you will receive a Form 1099-NEC from the payer.
Example: Suppose your S corporation hires a freelance IT consultant for a major project and pays them $1,000 for their services. The payer (your company) will issue a Form 1099-NEC to report this payment to the IRS.
Form 1099-MISC: If your S corps receives miscellaneous income that doesn't fall under other specific 1099 categories, you might receive Form 1099-MISC. This could include rent, royalties, or other types of miscellaneous income.
Example: If your S corporation leases office space and receives rental payments totaling $800 from a tenant, the tenant will issue Form 1099-MISC to report the rental income.
Form 1099-INT: If your S Corp earns interest from bank accounts or other financial investments, you may receive Form 1099-INT from the financial institution reporting the interest earned.
Example: If your S corporation maintains a significant balance in a savings account and earns $150 in interest over the year, the bank will issue Form 1099-INT to report the interest income.
How do businesses file 1099 forms for S Corp?
The businesses file 1099 form for S Corporation by following these simple steps:
Determine the type of 1099 Form: The first step in filing a 1099 form for an S corporation is to identify the specific type of form needed based on the nature of the transaction. For example, if an S corporation is paid $600 or more for legal services or other non-employee compensation, Form 1099-NEC should be issued.
Collect the required information: Before filing the 1099 form, gather the necessary information about the S corporation. This includes the legal name, TIN, address, federal tax classification, and other essential details. If this information is not already on file, have the S corporation complete Form W-9. This form will provide the accurate information needed for the 1099 filing.
Fill out the information: The next step is to complete the appropriate 1099 form once the required information is collected. The payer's business information should be entered, along with the S corporation's information as the recipient. The transaction amount should be entered in the relevant box based on the specific type of 1099 form being used. Ensuring accuracy when filling out the form is essential to avoid penalties or delays.
Submit the form to the IRS: After completing the required 1099 form, it must be submitted to the IRS by the applicable deadline to avoid potential penalties for late or incorrect filings. Ensuring that all forms are submitted to the IRS on time is important to avoid fines. The IRS may impose penalties for late filing, ranging from $60 to $660 per form, depending on how late the submission is.
Provide a copy to the S Corporation: A recipient copy of the 1099 form must be provided to the S corporation, along with the form being submitted to the IRS. This copy should be delivered by January 31 of the following year.
Keep records for future reference: Maintaining accurate records of all filed 1099 forms is essential. Copies of the filed forms and proof of delivery should be retained for at least three years, as the IRS may require proof of filing in the event of discrepancies or an audit.
How does an S Corp issue a 1099 form?
An S Corporation issues a 1099 form for any qualifying payments made during the tax year to independent contractors or other entities, typically if those payments total $600 or more. You must gather the necessary tax information from the payees through Form W-9. Subsequently, you must file the 1099 forms with the IRS and furnish recipient copies to the independent contractors. To avoid penalties, the S Corporation must ensure the accuracy and timely filing of 1099 forms.
E-file 1099 Forms Securely with TaxBandits
Following IRS guidelines to file Form 1099 is essential for businesses who file for S-corporations. Failure to comply can result in penalties and complications for your business. However, filing accurately and efficiently is easier with TaxBandits, ensuring you have all the necessary information. TaxBandits offers the following features for 1099 form filing for this tax season.
We support both federal and state filing to ensure complete compliance.
TaxBandits handles printing and mailing recipient copies, saving you time and effort.
Go paperless with online access to distribute form copies digitally, reducing paperwork.
Easily import data using our standard CSV templates for seamless filing.
Ensure accurate filing with internal audit checks and TIN matching, minimizing errors.
Receive instant support via phone, email, or live chat for any filing questions.
Get started with TaxBandits today to e-file your 1099 Forms and ensure you remain IRS-compliant!
