Getting a Copy of Your Social Security 1099 Form

Where to Request Your SSA 1099

You can get a copy of your Social Security 1099 form (officially called a SSA-1099) from the Social Security Administration in three ways: online through your my Social Security account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you can view and print your form the same day. If you do not have an online account, creating one takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity.

If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and request the form by phone. A representative will mail it to you, which typically takes 5 to 7 business days. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person and ask for a copy on the spot, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

• The fastest way to get your SSA-1099 is through your my Social Security account online, where you can view and print it when ready.
• You can call 1-800-772-1213 to request a mailed copy, which arrives in 5 to 7 business days.
• Your SSA-1099 shows the total benefits you received in the previous year and is needed to file your taxes.
• Social Security mails the form automatically in January, but you can request copies for prior years at any time.

Using Your my Social Security Account

To access your SSA-1099 online, go to ssa.gov and select "Sign In" in the top right corner. If you already have a my Social Security account, enter your username and password. Once logged in, look for the "Benefit Verification" or "Tax Information" section — the exact label depends on which version of the site you see, but it will be clearly marked.

Click on the option to view your 1099 form. You will see the tax year listed at the top. If you need a form from a previous year, there is usually a dropdown menu or link to select different years. Once you find the year you need, you can print the form directly to your printer or save it as a PDF to your computer. Keep a copy for your records and give one to your tax preparer or accountant.

If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you will need to create one. Go to ssa.gov, select "Create an account," and follow the steps. You will need your Social Security number, an email address, and a way to verify your identity — this might be a driver's license, passport, or answers to security questions based on your credit history. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Requesting by Phone or Mail

Call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you need a copy of your SSA-1099 and provide the tax year. They will confirm your address and mail the form to you. Delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days, though it may take longer during busy periods like tax season.

If you prefer to write, you can mail a request to your local Social Security office. Include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the tax year you need. You can find your local office address at ssa.gov/locator. This method is slower — allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and delivery.

When Social Security Sends Your 1099 Automatically

Social Security mails your SSA-1099 automatically in January of each year for the previous tax year. For example, in January 2024, you receive the form for 2023 benefits. The form goes to the address Social Security has on file for you. If you move, update your address with Social Security so the form reaches you.

If you do not receive your form by early February, contact Social Security. It may have been lost in the mail, or your address may be incorrect in their system. Requesting a replacement copy through any of the three methods above will get you another one quickly.

What Information Is on Your SSA-1099

Your SSA-1099 shows three key pieces of information: the total benefits you received in the tax year (Box 5), the amount of those benefits that were taxable (Box 2a), and the federal income tax withheld, if any (Box 4). The form also lists your name, Social Security number, and the tax year at the top.

You need this form to file your federal income tax return. If you received Social Security benefits during the year, the IRS expects to see this form when you file. If you did not receive a copy and cannot get one before your tax important date, you can file your return using the information from your Social Security statement or contact the IRS for guidance on how to proceed.

Copies for Multiple Years or Household Members

If you need forms for several years, you can request them all at once through your my Social Security account — just select each year from the dropdown menu and print or save each one. By phone, tell the representative which years you need, and they will mail all of them together.

If you are requesting a form for someone else — such as a spouse or parent — you will need their permission or legal authority to do so. Social Security will not release another person's tax information without proper authorization. If you are a representative payee or have power of attorney, bring that documentation when you visit an office or mention it when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my SSA-1099 before January?

Social Security does not issue the form until January for the previous tax year. However, you can contact them in late December and ask them to mail it early, and some offices will do so. Your my Social Security account may also show the prior year's form before the official mailing date.

What if my name or Social Security number is wrong on the form?

Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. Do not file your tax return with incorrect information — it can delay your refund or cause IRS problems. Social Security will issue a corrected form, which may take a few weeks.

Do I need the original form or can I use a printed copy?

A printed copy from your my Social Security account or a photocopy of the mailed form works fine for tax purposes. The IRS does not require the original. Keep your copy for your records.

What if I lost my 1099 and need it for taxes?

Request a replacement copy using any of the three methods — online, phone, or mail. If your tax important date is approaching, the online method is fastest. You can also contact the IRS if you cannot get the form in time; they have procedures for filing without it.

Can I get an SSA-1099 if I did not receive benefits all year?

You receive a 1099 only for years in which you received at least one benefit payment from Social Security. If you did not receive any benefits in a particular year, Social Security will not issue a form for that year.