Where To Find Your 1099 Forms

Your 1099 comes from whoever paid you, not from the IRS

The organization or person who paid you for work, freelance services, or other income sends you the 1099 form — not the IRS. If you received more than $600 in certain types of income during the year, the payer is required to send you a copy by January 31. You should receive it in the mail or, increasingly, through an online portal where you can read it yourself.

The payer also sends a copy to the IRS, which is why you need to have your own copy when you file taxes. If you don't receive one by early February, you'll need to contact the payer directly to request it.

Key Takeaways

• Your 1099 comes from the person or business that paid you, and they must send it to you by January 31 if you earned over $600 in reportable income.
• Check your mail, email, and any online account portals the payer maintains — many employers and platforms now deliver 1099s digitally.
• If you don't receive a 1099 by mid-February, contact the payer directly with your name, address, and the income amount to request a replacement.
• Keep your 1099 with your tax records; you'll need the information when you file your return, even if you don't receive a physical copy.

Check your mail first, then your email

Most payers still mail 1099 forms to the address they have on file for you. Check your mailbox starting in late January and through early February. Look for an envelope from the company, contractor, or platform that paid you.

If the payer uses email, they may have sent it to the email address you provided when you signed up or completed a W-9 form. Search your inbox and spam folder for emails from the payer's domain. Some payers send a notification that your 1099 is ready, then ask you to log in to retrieve it.

Log into online portals and account dashboards

Freelance platforms, gig economy apps, and larger employers often post 1099s in your account dashboard rather than mailing them. If you've worked with a company like Stripe, PayPal, DoorDash, Uber, Upwork, or a similar service, log into your account and look for a section labeled "Tax Documents," "1099," "Statements," or "Year-End Summary."

The location varies by platform. Some put it under Account Settings, others under a dedicated Tax or Documents tab. If you're unsure where to look, search the platform's help center for "1099" or "tax documents." Many platforms allow you to read a PDF directly or request one be mailed to you.

Contact the payer if you haven't received it by mid-February

If you know you were paid but haven't received a 1099 by mid-February, reach out to the payer's accounting or payroll department. Have ready your full name, the address where you expect it to be sent, and the approximate amount you were paid. Ask them to confirm they have your correct information on file and request that they send a replacement copy.

Keep a record of when you contacted them and who you spoke with. If they say they already sent it, ask for the date it was mailed and confirm your address. If the address was wrong, ask them to send a corrected version.

What to do if the payer says they won't send one

Some payers claim they don't have to issue a 1099 because the amount was under $600 or because they paid you as a personal favor. The $600 threshold is real — payers are not required to issue a 1099 for amounts under that. However, you still owe taxes on any income you received, whether or not you get a 1099.

If you received income and the payer refuses to send documentation, you can still report it on your tax return using the information you have: the payer's name, address, and the amount. You may also file Form 8275 (Explanation for Amended Return) or contact the IRS if you believe the payer is required to issue a 1099 and is not doing so.

Keep copies of all 1099s you receive

Store your 1099 forms with your tax documents for that year. You'll need the information when you fill out your tax return — the form shows your income and any taxes already withheld. Even if you file electronically, keep the physical or digital copy for your records for at least three years.

If you receive multiple 1099s from different payers, gather them all before you start your return. The total income across all 1099s is what you'll report, and having them organized makes the process faster and reduces the chance of missing one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my 1099 after I received it?

Contact the payer and request a duplicate. They should be able to send you another copy. You can also check your online account portal if the payer posted it there — you can usually read it again. If you can't recover it, you can still file your taxes using the income information you remember, though having the actual form is clearer for the IRS.

Can I file my taxes without receiving a 1099?

Yes. If you earned income and didn't receive a 1099, you still report that income on your tax return. The IRS has a copy the payer sent them, so it's important to report it yourself. If you don't and the IRS notices a mismatch, they may contact you or adjust your return.

What if I received a 1099 but the amount is wrong?

Contact the payer when ready and ask them to issue a corrected 1099, which is called a corrected 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC depending on the type. They must send the corrected version to you and the IRS. Don't file your taxes until you have the corrected form so your return matches what the IRS receives.

Do I need a 1099 if I was paid in cash?

The payer is only required to send a 1099 if the amount exceeds $600 and they have your tax ID on file. However, you still owe taxes on cash income regardless of whether you receive a 1099. If you were paid cash and didn't get a form, keep your own records of the payment and report it when you file.

Where do I find my 1099 if I worked for multiple companies?

Contact each company separately. Each payer sends their own 1099 to you. Gather all of them before filing — you'll report income from each one on your tax return. If you're missing one, follow up with that specific payer using the steps above.