How to Get 1099 Forms From the IRS by Mail

If you need physical 1099 forms (the red scannable copies you send to the IRS) and can’t print them yourself, you must order them directly from the IRS by mail or phone; you generally cannot just download and use a regular PDF for the official red Copy A.

Quick summary: how to get 1099 forms by mail

• Official system in charge: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) handles ordering 1099 forms.
• Main touchpoints:
  • The IRS Online Ordering for Information Returns page (on the official IRS site).
  • The IRS forms order phone line (listed on the IRS.gov contact/forms page).
• Key action today:Submit an online order or call the IRS to request 1099 forms (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, etc.).
• What happens next: The IRS typically mails forms within about 10 business days, but timing can vary.
• Common snag: People often wait too long to order, then risk missing the January 31 recipient deadline.

Key terms to know:

• 1099 form — An information return used to report certain types of non-wage income (like contractor pay, interest, dividends, some rents).
• Copy A — The red scannable copy of a 1099 that must be sent to the IRS; you cannot usually print this from a standard PDF.
• Payer — The business or person issuing the 1099 (you, if you are paying others).
• Recipient — The person or business receiving the income reported on the 1099.

1. Direct answer: how to order 1099 forms by mail

To get official 1099 forms by mail, go through the IRS, either online or by phone, and request the specific forms and quantities you need (for example, Form 1099-NEC with instructions).

You’ll provide your name, mailing address, and taxpayer identification number as the payer, and the IRS will send a packet that usually includes Copy A (red), Copy B, Copy C, and instructions for each 1099 type.

2. Where to request 1099 forms (official IRS channels)

The official system that handles mailed 1099 forms is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), specifically its forms and publications distribution service.

You typically have two main options:

• IRS online forms ordering system

  • Search for the IRS’s “Order Forms & Publications” page on the official IRS site.
  • Use the “Order Online” for information returns option.
  • Look for forms like Form 1099-NEC, Form 1099-MISC, Form 1099-INT, etc.

• IRS forms order phone line

  • Call the IRS forms and publications order number listed on the official IRS.gov contact page.
  • Use an automated system or speak to an agent to request 1099 forms be mailed to your address.

When searching online, look for websites ending in “.gov” and avoid any site that charges a fee just to send you blank IRS forms; the IRS typically mails these forms for free, though using them incorrectly can still lead to penalties.

3. What to prepare before you order

Having a few details ready speeds up the process and helps you avoid getting the wrong forms or too few sets.

Documents you’ll typically need:

• Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) — The IRS uses this to identify you as the payer.
• Your legal business name and mailing address — Exactly as used on your tax filings; this is where the forms will be mailed and what prints on the forms.
• A list of which 1099 forms and quantities you need — For example, “Form 1099-NEC, 25 forms” or “Form 1099-MISC, 10 forms.”

Before you order, also consider:

• How many payees you have (contractors, landlords, lenders, etc.).
• Whether you also need Form 1096, the summary transmittal form that typically must accompany paper-filed 1099s.
• Deadlines:
  • January 31 is commonly the deadline to furnish 1099-NEC to recipients and to file it with the IRS (for nonemployee compensation).
  • Other 1099 types have related, but sometimes slightly different, filing deadlines; check current IRS instructions.

4. Step-by-step: ordering 1099 forms by mail and what happens next

4.1 Step sequence (online option)

1. Identify the forms you need
   Make a written list: for example, Form 1099-NEC (for contractor payments), Form 1099-MISC (for certain rents, prizes, etc.), plus Form 1096 if you plan to paper-file.
   This helps you avoid a second order when you realize you forgot Form 1096 or another 1099 type.

2. Go to the official IRS online ordering page
   Search for “IRS Order Forms and Publications” and click the result ending in “.gov”.
   Find the section for Information Returns (1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, etc.) and choose to order online.

3. Enter your payer details
   Fill in your name or business name, mailing address, and EIN/SSN as requested.
   This is how the IRS knows where to send the forms and who is responsible for issuing the 1099s.

4. Select the 1099 forms and quantities
   Choose the specific 1099 forms you need (e.g., 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, etc.) and select how many.
   The IRS typically sends forms in packs (for example, a set that covers several recipients), so read the quantity description carefully.

5. Submit your order and note the date
   After reviewing your order, submit it and, if possible, save or print any confirmation number or page.
   What to expect next: The IRS usually mails the forms within about 10 business days, but timing can be longer during the busy filing season or by location; no specific delivery date is guaranteed.

4.2 Step sequence (phone option)

1. Call the IRS forms order number
   Use the toll-free forms and publications order line listed on IRS.gov.
   If asked, navigate the menu to choose forms and publications and then information returns.

2. Request 1099 forms and Form 1096
   Say something like: “I need to order paper information returns, including Form 1099-NEC and Form 1096, mailed to my address.”
   Be prepared to spell your name and address clearly and provide your EIN or SSN.

3. Ask about expected mailing time
   Before you hang up, ask: “When should I expect these forms to arrive?”
   What to expect next: The representative or recording will usually give a general timeframe (for example, 7–15 business days); always build in extra time in case of delays.

5. Real-world friction to watch for

Real-world friction to watch for

A common snag is that the IRS’s online order system or phone line can run low on paper 1099 forms close to filing deadlines, or shipping takes longer than expected, especially in January. If that happens, you may need to switch to e-filing through IRS-authorized e-file providers or software instead of mail, or request an extension where allowed; talk with a tax professional if you are close to or past a due date, since penalties for late 1099 filing can apply but are sometimes reduced if you act quickly.

6. After the forms arrive: next steps and where to get help

Once the IRS mails your packet and you receive it, there are several steps to complete before the deadlines.

1. Check that you received the correct forms and copies
   Verify that you have Copy A (red), Copy B, Copy C or 2, and the instruction booklet for the 1099 type you ordered, plus Form 1096 if you ordered it.
   If something is missing or incorrect, contact the IRS forms order line again as soon as you notice; you might still have time to re-order or switch to e-filing.

2. Gather payee information
   You will typically need:

   • Payee’s legal name
   • Address
   • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), usually an SSN or EIN
     This information is often collected using Form W‑9, which you request from each contractor or other recipient.

3. Fill out and send recipient copies first
   Complete Copy B and any other recipient copies and mail or deliver them to the payees by the required due date, commonly January 31 for 1099‑NEC.
   Keep a record of when you send them in case a recipient claims they never received the form.

4. Complete Copy A and Form 1096 for the IRS
   Use the information from the recipient copies to complete Copy A (red) and Form 1096, then mail them to the address listed in the instructions by the filing deadline for that form type.
   What to expect next: If everything is correct, you usually won’t hear from the IRS; if there is a problem (for example, mismatched TINs), the IRS may send you a notice months later asking for correction or additional information.

5. If you get stuck, seek official help
   You can typically:

   • Call the IRS business & specialty tax line listed on IRS.gov for questions about 1099 filing.
   • Visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (by appointment) if you need in-person help understanding notices or instructions.
   • Contact an IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site or a qualified tax professional for guidance, especially if you’re unsure which 1099 type to use.

Because 1099 forms involve reporting income and taxpayer identification numbers, watch for scams: use only .gov sites, do not pay third parties just to “get you IRS forms,” and never share your SSN or EIN with anyone unless you are sure they are legitimate. Rules, form types, and deadlines can change and may vary by situation, so always confirm details using current official IRS instructions or a qualified tax advisor before relying on them.