What changed for 2026.
The IRS instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC say the reporting threshold rose to $2,000 for tax years beginning after 2025, with inflation adjustments possible from 2027. The same $2,000 figure applies to backup withholding. Before 2026, the threshold was $600.
A Fuquay-Varina business that paid a bookkeeper $1,500 and a subcontractor $8,000 in 2026 now files one 1099-NEC, for the subcontractor, instead of two.
The 2027 due dates.
Several 2027 dates move to the next business day because the usual date falls on a weekend or holiday. The IRS guide to information returns sets out the base dates and that rule.
- February 1, 2027: Form 1099-NEC to contractors and to the IRS, paper or electronic.
- February 1, 2027: most other 1099s, including 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, and 1099-DIV, to recipients.
- February 16, 2027: Form 1099-MISC to recipients when amounts are in box 8 or 10.
- March 1, 2027: paper Forms 1099-MISC to the IRS.
- March 31, 2027: electronic Forms 1099-MISC to the IRS.
Ten or more forms means e-filing.
If you are required to file 10 or more information returns of any type during the year, you must file them electronically. The count combines every type of information return, so a business filing several kinds of forms can reach 10 quickly.
Collect W-9s before the year closes.
A Form W-9 gives you the payee's legal name and taxpayer identification number. Ask for it before you send the final payment of the year. Chasing it in late January is how filings miss February 1.
Form 1099-K is back to $20,000 and 200 transactions.
If customers pay you through a payment app or online marketplace, the platform reports to the IRS when your total payments for goods or services exceed $20,000 and there are more than 200 transactions. Income is taxable whether or not you receive a 1099-K, so keep your own sales records either way.
North Carolina filing.
If you withheld North Carolina tax from any 1099 payment, the form goes to the Department of Revenue with the annual NC-3 reconciliation, due January 31 or the next business day. Most 1099s without North Carolina withholding do not have to be filed with the state when they were reported to the IRS. The NCDOR eNC3 guidance lists the exceptions.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions you may have.
What is the 1099-NEC threshold for 2026 payments?
$2,000. Before 2026, it was $600.
When are 2026 Forms 1099-NEC due?
February 1, 2027, to both the contractor and the IRS, because January 31, 2027 is a Sunday.
Do I have to e-file my 1099s?
Yes, if you file 10 or more information returns during the year. The count combines all types of information returns.