What is a 1099?
Form 1099 is the US tax form a business sends to report payments of $600 or more made to a non-employee — contractors, freelancers — during the year. The recipient uses it to report income; the IRS uses its copy to make sure they do. Miss the January 31 deadline and penalties start at $60 per form.
In practice
A startup pays a designer $8,000 across 2026. In January 2027 it sends her a 1099-NEC showing $8,000 and files the same with the IRS.
Invoice like a pro, tax time included
Numbered, professional invoices make your 1099 reporting a non-event.
Create an invoice — freeFrequently asked questions
Do I get a 1099 as a freelancer?
If any single client paid you $600+ in the year, they should send you one. You're still required to report the income even if no 1099 arrives.
What's the difference between a 1099 and a W-2?
A W-2 reports employee wages (with tax withheld); a 1099 reports contractor payments (no withholding — you handle your own taxes).
What if I don't receive a 1099 I expected?
Report the income anyway using your own records — invoices and bank deposits. The IRS matches its copy, but your obligation doesn't depend on receiving the form.