How to Get a Copy of Your 1099 Form

Where to request your 1099

Your 1099 comes from the person or business that paid you, not from the IRS. If you received income from a contractor job, freelance work, rental property, investment account, or any other non-employment source, the payer is responsible for sending you a copy by January 31 each year. You request it directly from them.

Start by contacting the business or individual who paid you. This might be your former client, the property management company, your brokerage firm, or the bank where you held the account. Look for a contact number on any invoice, statement, or email from them. Many larger companies have a dedicated tax forms department or a phone line specifically for 1099 requests.

If you cannot find contact information, check any paperwork you received from them during the year. Bank statements, 1099 copies from prior years, and year-end summaries all typically list a phone number or website. You can also search the company name plus "1099 request" to find their tax forms page online.

Key Takeaways

• The payer — not the IRS — sends you your 1099, and you request it directly from them by phone, email, or their website.
• Payers must send 1099 forms by January 31, so if you have not received yours by early February, contact them to request a copy.
• Have your Social Security number, the year in question, and details about the income ready when you contact them.
• If the payer cannot locate your 1099 or refuses to send one, you can report the missing form to the IRS on Form 8949 when you file your tax return.

What information to have ready

When you call or email to request your 1099, have the following details on hand so the payer can find your record quickly: your full name, your Social Security number, the year you are requesting the form for, and the approximate amount you were paid. If you worked for multiple people or businesses, be specific about which one you are contacting.

Some payers may also ask for the dates you worked or the type of work you performed. If you have any invoices, receipts, or payment confirmations from that year, keep them nearby. They help confirm your identity and speed up the search.

How to request through their website or portal

Many larger companies and financial institutions let you request tax forms online. Log into your account on their website and look for a section labeled "Tax Forms," "1099," "Documents," or "Year-End Statements." Some sites have a button to request missing forms directly.

If you see an option to read your 1099 when ready, do that — it is usually the fastest route. If you only see an option to request it, fill out the form with your information and submit it. The company will then mail or email you a copy. This process typically takes five to ten business days.

If you cannot find a tax forms section on their website, look for a "Contact Us" page and select the option for tax or accounting questions. Many companies route these requests to a dedicated department that handles them faster than general customer service.

Requesting by phone or email

Call the payer's main number and ask to be transferred to the tax forms department, accounting department, or the person who handles 1099 requests. Explain that you need a copy of your 1099 for a specific year and provide your name and Social Security number. They will either email it to you, mail it to your address on file, or tell you how to read it from their website.

If you prefer email, send a message to their general inquiry address or tax department email (if listed on their website) with the subject line "1099 Request." Include your full name, Social Security number, the year you need, and the approximate income amount. Keep your message brief and professional. Most companies respond within three to five business days.

Ask the payer how they will send the form — some email it as a PDF, others mail a printed copy, and some direct you to read it yourself. Confirm the address where they will mail it if that is their method, especially if you have moved since the year in question.

What to do if you cannot locate the payer

If the business has closed, the person has moved, or you cannot find any contact information, you have options. First, try searching for the company name online or on social media — many businesses have moved or changed names but still maintain a web presence. You might also find a forwarding address or new contact information this way.

If the payer truly cannot be found, you can still file your tax return. On Form 8949 (Sales of Capital Assets) or your tax return itself, report the income you received and note that you do not have a 1099. The IRS understands that sometimes payers cannot be located. You will owe tax on the income regardless, but you will not face a penalty for a missing form if you report the income honestly.

If the payer says they did not send you a 1099

Some payers claim they did not issue a 1099 because the amount was below a certain threshold, because they paid you as a personal favor, or because they forgot. The IRS has specific rules about when a 1099 must be issued — generally, if you received $600 or more from a business for services, they are required to send one. The threshold varies by form type (1099-INT for interest is $10, for example).

If the payer insists no form was issued but you know you received income, ask them to check their records again. Provide documentation like cancelled checks, bank deposits, or emails confirming payment. If they still refuse, you can report the income on your tax return without the 1099 and note that the form was not provided. You may also report the payer to the IRS using Form 13909 (Information Referral) if you believe they are deliberately not issuing required forms, though this is a last resort.

Timeline and important date

Payers must send you a 1099 by January 31 of the year following the one in which you were paid. If you have not received yours by early February, contact the payer when ready. They have until January 31 to send it, so if that date has passed, they are late.

You do not have to wait until you receive your 1099 to file your tax return. If the important date is approaching and you still do not have it, you can file using your own records of the income and request the 1099 later. However, it is easier to file once you have the form because it shows exactly what the payer reported to the IRS, and your return should match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 1099 from a previous year if I lost mine?

Yes. Contact the payer and request a duplicate copy for that year. They keep records for at least three to seven years, depending on the type of income. Provide the year and your Social Security number, and they will send you another copy.

What if I received cash payments and have no 1099?

If you were paid in cash and the payer did not issue a 1099, you still owe tax on that income. Report it on your tax return using your own records — bank deposits, invoices, or notes about the work. The IRS expects you to report all income, whether or not you have a 1099.

Do I need the original 1099 or is a copy okay?

A copy is fine. You do not need the original form. Whether the payer emails it, mails it, or you read it from their website, any version of the 1099 works for your records and for filing your tax return.

What if the 1099 has the wrong amount or my name is misspelled?

Contact the payer when ready and ask them to issue a corrected form, called a 1099-X. They will send you a corrected copy and also file a corrected version with the IRS. Do not file your tax return until you have the corrected form, or note the discrepancy on your return when you file.

Can the IRS send me a copy of my 1099?

The IRS does not send you copies of 1099s — only the payer does. However, if you file a tax return and the IRS receives a 1099 from a payer that you did not report, they will contact you. If you need a copy for your records, always request it from the payer directly.