5 Time Saving Tips For Small Business Owners During Tax Season

No one enjoys tax season and when you run a business, this season can quickly become a hectic blur of days. The key to handling your company’s taxes is to streamline processes and come up with faster methods for getting work done. From filing 1099s to finalizing every detail with the IRS, you need to work efficiently to ensure every deadline is met and no numbers were missed.

For many small business owners, the burden of tax season falls squarely on their shoulders. If that’s the case for you, check out these five time saving tips for your business during the upcoming tax season.

#1: Delegate Work When You Can

As a business owner, your life is busy and you probably have far too much on your plate to get done every day. Rather than stressing yourself out further during tax season, attempting to juggle your normal work alongside tax duties, work on delegating more. This is a great time of year to focus on finding your key team players and providing them with some of your burden.

The more you can delegate smaller tasks that don’t really require you, the more time you will have to dedicate to your taxes. While it can be hard to let go of things, it is wiser to hand off a few projects than to attempt to do it all. When you overwork yourself, it is easy to make more mistakes and to miss important tax deadlines. Turn your focus to where it needs to be and pass off some of your daily tasks.

#2: Push Back Projects That Aren’t Time Sensitive

Do you have some projects on your plate that aren’t time sensitive? Push back any tasks like these that you can until after you are finished with filing taxes. Tax forms come with deadlines, which means they need to take top priority over other projects.

Pushing back a few projects can free up your current schedule. This will allow you to dedicate the time you need to submitting tax forms on time. This will save you money in the long run as you will avoid costly tax fees and penalties.

#3: Schedule A Little Time Each Day

Tackling all your taxes in one day can be a bit overwhelming. Instead of staying at work for 15 hours straight attempting to get all your paperwork done at once, dedicate a chunk of time each day to the project. If you are at your best in the mornings, schedule yourself as busy for the first four hours of the day until you finish your taxes.

By approaching your taxes in chunks, you can save yourself from becoming completely exhausted by the process.

#4: Reach Out For Help

If you run into questions while you are filing your taxes and you are completely puzzled by a specific form, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to your accountant and be certain that you clearly understand applicable federal and local tax laws. This will save you from making costly mistakes and can ensure that you don’t lose sleep worrying about a form you didn’t understand.

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#5: Utilize E-Filing For 1099s

One of the most time-consuming projects in regards to taxes is filing 1099s. In the past, you had to purchase an array of lenghty forms, fill them out by hand, mail the appropriate document to recipients, and file with the IRS via snail mail. However, this process can be simplified by utilizing online e-filing for 1099s. This allows you to fill out the forms quickly and cuts out the long process of mailing forms by hand.

If you are interested in making the process of filing 1099s faster and easier, we invite you to sign up today for OnlineFileTaxes.com. You can quickly fill out any number of 1099s through our easy-to-use platform. The 1099s will be mailed out to the necessary recipients and you can also e-file with the IRS. Make this tax season a little easier on you and your staff by utilizing our simple process for 1099 filing. We look forward to helping you get your taxes done on time and with as little stress as possible.

1099 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers to Know When You File

Ready or not, here comes another tax season. That usually spells countless hours of 1099 preparation for business owners, CPAs, accounting professionals, and independent contractors. Whether you’re a veteran or rookie when it comes to filling out this documentation, it’s imperative to know the basics.

Here are some 1099 frequently asked questions and answers you should understand prior to filing, as referenced from Entrepreneur:

  1. Who should receive a Form 1099 in the first place? – As a business owner, you must send 1099s to individuals (vendors or subcontractors) you paid more than $600. This includes any partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, or estate. If your organization paid more than $10 in royalties, made direct sales of at least $5,000 of consumer products, or withheld any federal income tax under the backup withholding rates, the IRS also expects you to file Form 1099.

  2. Are there any exceptions? – Not everyone needs a 1099. For example, you don’t have to worry about sending this form to vendors operating as S or C-Corporations, partnerships, merchandise sellers, and rent payments to or through real estate agents. It doesn’t hurt to check with your accountant beforehand.

  3. Do I really need to send my lawyer a Form 1099? – Sure, your lawyer might be “incorporated” and what appears to be a standup individual. That said, Uncle Sam still wants to double-check their income. Remember to send them a Form 1099 if you paid them more than $600.

  4. Can’t I just download a bunch of 1099 forms and send them out to my vendors? – Unfortunately not. Because the form is pre-printed in triplicate, you must order the forms directly from the IRS and then pick them up from an approved service center (post office, for example). Continue reading for an easier way to go about completing your 1099 forms.

  5. Am I required to file electronically? – Here’s the deal: If you have more than 250 forms to file, Uncle Sam requires that you file electronically. Failing to do so could be cause for a penalty of up $100 per return. So make it easy on everyone, including yourself, and file electronically.

  6. Can foreign workers file their own 1099? – It’s up to you to file 1099s on behalf of any non-U.S. citizens. Not only are you tasked with verifying foreign workers, but you must confirm where work was performed. To make things easier on yourself in the future, consider having foreign workers fill out, sign, and return to you Form W-8BEN.

  7. Is it really a big deal if I ignore the 1099 process altogether? – Nobody wants to be on the bad side of the IRS, but especially business owners and independent contractors. If you’re a business owner, you can expect heavy penalties for failing to file, submitting incorrect information, and failing to provide recipient copies. It’s also worth mentioning that penalties usually increase with time. So file as soon as possible and get back to running your business.

File 1099 Forms Online

Maybe this is the year you finally invest in a reliable 1099 preparation system. Here at OnlineFileTaxes.com, we make the process simple and stress-free from start to finish. When you e-file 1099 forms with OnlineFileTaxes, you eliminate the need to buy and fill out lengthy forms.

That’s not the only benefit, though. Our innovative system allows you to process any number of forms, from one to hundreds in a seamless and economical manner. Never again will you have to throw away money on expensive software or get hit with outrageous administrative and IT costs associated with year-end 1099 processing.

If you don’t take our word for it, see what our happy customers have to say.

“I highly recommend OnlineFileTaxes for your 1099 e-filing needs,” says Jennifer Schubert-Akin, owner and founder of Marathon Accounting Services LLC in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “There’s no need to buy expensive forms and stuff envelopes. It’s secure, accurate, fast, and affordable. And it’s better than Intuit’s e-file service.”

With OnlineFileTaxes, you get printing, mailing, and e-filing services for as low as $1.25 per form! You won’t get that kind of low price anywhere else. So when you’re ready to get serious about your 1099 preparation, turn to OnlineFileTaxes.com.

Contact us today with any questions.

Common Misconceptions About 1099s

When it comes to filing 1099s, there are a lot of key things to keep in mind. You need to have all of your information in order to ensure that you don’t miss a single one. For some companies, this means filing a handful of 1099s. For other businesses, you could be looking at hundreds upon hundreds of 1099s. Whatever the case, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you by the IRS. Failing to file things correctly could lead to fines and penalties for your company.

At OnlineFileTaxes.com, we make the process of filing 1099s simple. We work hard to ensure that customers who utilize our online platform have a clear and realistic understanding of what is expected of them. Before you get to work putting together the list of 1099s you need to file, check out the following myths about 1099s and be sure you don’t fall for any of them during the upcoming tax season.

#1: I need to file 1099s for corporations

When it comes to filing a 1099, it is reserved for specific cases. Generally speaking, a 1099 is used to report income that was paid to an independent contractor over the amount of $600 in a given tax year. There are other scenarios in which a 1099 must be filed, but the bulk of 1099s revolve around the use of contracted labor. The goal of a 1099 is to report to the IRS money that was made by a contractor who is not your full-time employee. This person will then use the 1099 you send them to file their own taxes. They will be required to pay taxes on this income as an independent contractor. A good example of this would be if you hired a freelance writer for a project this past year. The money you paid them if it totals over $600, will need to be reported to the IRS.

However, if you paid money out to a corporation that you hired for a job, things are different. Corporations do not require 1099s unless you hired the help of an attorney. When in doubt about whether or not the labor you hired was from an independent contractor or a corporation, simply ask. It is better to be certain than to guess.

#2: If I don’t issue a 1099, it won’t really matter

Another misconception surrounding 1099s is the idea that it really won’t matter if you skip these forms. It is never a good idea to neglect to report information to the IRS. If you think there is a possibility that you should be filing 1099s, then odds are good you should. Err on the side of caution rather than skipping this task.

You might enjoy filing 1099s, but if the IRS finds out you were hiring contractors and not declaring this income that they earned, you could wind up paying out a lot in fines and fees.

#3: I only need to send the form to the recipient

Another myth around 1099s is the idea that once you send a 1099 to the appropriate recipient, you are done. While this is a vital step and the deadline for doing so falls earlier than the date for filing taxes with the IRS, this isn’t the only thing you must do. You also need to file the 1099 with the IRS.

The reason why you have to both send a 1099 to the appropriate recipient, as well as file with the IRS, is because they want to have a detailed report of what contractors should be paying them taxes. They use this information to ensure that the person you sent the 1099 to is actually following through with filing their own taxes.

#4: If I miss the deadlines, it doesn’t hurt

There are a slew of deadlines you need to meet when it comes to filing your business’ taxes. 1099s all come with their own set of deadlines as well. There are deadlines for the date by which you need to have mailed the 1099 out to the appropriate recipient and there are also deadlines for filing the 1099s with the IRS. It is a common misconception that missing these deadlines isn’t a big deal.

Many businesses falsely assume that they won’t suffer a penalty for missing the deadline of mailing out their 1099s to recipients. The reality is that the IRS will penalize you with fines if you miss either deadline. Be sure you start early on filing your 1099s to prevent a costly mistake.

#5: I have to file 1099s manually

Once upon a time, the only way to file 1099s was to purchase lengthy forms, fill them out by hand, mail them by hand, and file with the IRS via snail mail as well. Today, things are different. Gone are the days of tedious handwritten forms.

You can now file 1099s through an online platform, saving time and money. Not only can you handle filling the forms out online, but you can then automatically send the recipient their 1099 via email and mail. From here, you can then submit your 1099s to the IRS through e-filing.

Save time and sign up for OnlineFileTaxes.com today to e-file your 1099s with ease.

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How to File Form 1099-MISC With the IRS

Longtime business owners and independent contractors should be familiar with Form 1099-MISC. As a refresher, this documentation is used to report payments made to contractors by business entities. For the sake of this post, let’s say you’re completing Form 1099-MISC for the first time.

Here are some step-by-step instructions that will hopefully keep you from pulling your hair out:

 Box 1 – Rents

Per the IRS, enter amounts of $600 or more for all types of rents, including the following:

  • Real estate rentals paid for office space unless these payments went to an agent or property manager

  • Machine rentals (i.e. renting a bulldozer to level your parking lot)

  • Pasture rentals, such as a farmer paying for the use of grazing land

Box 2 – Royalties

This is where you will enter gross royalty payments of $10 or more. As referenced from the aforementioned IRS documentation, “Report royalties from oil, gas, or other mineral properties before reduction for severance and other taxes that may have been withheld and paid.” Both oil/gas payments for a working interest and timber royalties made under a pay-as-cut contract should be reported elsewhere.

Box 2 should also be used to report payments from intangible property such as copyrights, patents, trade names, and trademarks. Report the gross royalties paid by a publisher directly to an agent, unless the agent is a corporation.

Box 3 – Other Income

The IRS needs to know if you were the recipient of prizes and/or awards during the year. First, note the fair market value of any merchandise won on game shows. You must also include amounts paid to a winner of sweepstakes not involving a wager.

Here are some other common items required to be reported in Box 3:

  • Payments outlined under Deceased employee’s wages

  • Payments outlined under Indian gaming profits, payments to tribal members

  • Payments made to individuals for participating in a medical research study or studies

  • Termination payments to former self-employed insurance salespeople (such payments are not subject to self-employment tax)

  • Compensatory damages for sickness or non-physical injuries such as employment discrimination or defamation

Box 4 – Federal Income Tax Withheld

This box revolves around backup withholding. Those who have not furnished their TINs are subject to withholding on payments required to be reported in several other boxes. Box 4 is also the place to enter any income tax withheld from payments to members of Indian tribes from the net revenues of class II or III gaming activities licensed by tries.

Box 5 – Fishing Boat Proceeds

Enter your share of proceeds from the sale of a catch to each crew member of fishing boats with fewer than 10 members. You must also report cash payments of up to $100 per trip that are paid solely for additional duties (such as cook, engineer, etc.). As you complete Box 5, do not report any wages reportable on your W-2.

Box 6 – Medical and Health Care Payments

Enter payments of $600 or more made in the course of your business to each provider of health care services. You should include payments made by medical insurers under health, accident, and sickness insurance programs. The IRS does not require you to report payments to pharmacies for prescription drugs.

Box 7 – Nonemployee Compensation

This box is where you will enter nonemployee compensation of $600 or more. The IRS requires you to report a payment as nonemployee compensation if the following four conditions are met:

  • You made the payment to someone who is not your employee.

  • You made the payment for services in your agency or organization.

  • You made the payment to an individual, partnership, or corporation.

  • You made payments to the payee of at least $600 during the year.

The Easy Way to File 1099 Forms

As you can see, 1099s can be fairly complex to understand, let alone complete without consulting an accountant. That’s why so many businesses, CPAs, and individuals are using OnlineFileTaxes. An IRS-approved e-file provider, OnlineFileTaxes.com allows you to process any number of forms, from one to hundreds, in a way that’s simple and stress-free.

This tax season, do away with the expensive software and outrageous costs of 1099 processing. We invite you to turn to the experts at OnlineFileTaxes.com instead. Sign up for free today or contact us with any questions.

How To Survive Filing All Your 1099s And Retain Your Sanity

Tax season is a dreaded time of year for most. If you are a business owner, tax season is even more of a nightmare. During this hectic season, it is easy to feel like you are losing your grip on sanity as forms stack up on your desk and your todo list lengthens beyond belief. The key to successfully filing all your taxes on time and avoiding any major penalties is to streamline and stick to organization.

One major bane to any business owner’s existence are 1099s. These little forms can creep up on you and before you know, you have dozens, if not hundreds, of 1099s to file. Before you lose your mind, check out the following tips on how you can survive filing all your 1099s and, remember, we make it simple to file 1099s through our online platform.

#1: Kick Procrastination Out The Door

A surefire way to make the upcoming tax season a stressful disaster is to procrastinate the work that needs to be done. Different tax forms have different deadlines and if you don’t get to work now, you will fall far behind and you might miss out on important dates.

A few key dates to remember in regards to your 1099s include the following:

Form: 1099-MISC
Mailing To Recipients Deadline: January 31, 2019
E-Filing to IRS Deadline: January 31, 2019

Form: 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-R
Mailing to Recipients Deadline: January 31, 2019
E-Filing to IRS: April 01, 2019

You can also utilize the government’s online tax calendar to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Spend some time going over each deadline, highlighting ones that are pertinent to you and creating reminders for yourself that will alert you before the deadline arrives.

#2: Become Best Friends With Organization

On a scale of 1 to 10, how highly would you rate your organizational skills? If you are lacking in the area of keeping things organized, tax season will quickly spiral out of control. You will need to keep track of an array of information. From receipts to invoices to 1099 forms to a wide variety of vital documents, everything needs to be carefully organized to keep the process simple and to ensure you don’t make any mistakes.

If you struggle with organization, consider hiring a seasonal employee to help out. Find an administrative assistant who can work with you on the project and keep things in perfect order. The better organized you are, the faster the process will go and the fewer obstacles you will encounter.

#3: Spend Some Time Studying

How familiar are you with local and federal tax laws? Do you know when you need to file a 1099 and when you don’t? If you aren’t 100 percent clear on these important tax regulations, it is time to do some studying. Be sure that you fully understand what is required of your business before you begin. Nothing is worse than realizing down the road that you failed to file your taxes properly and you are now facing massive fines or penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by tax laws and you aren’t quite certain what specifically you need to file, reach out to an accountant for help. The more educated you are about how taxation for your business works the greater chance there is that you won’t miss anything.

#4: Utilize E-Filing To Simplify The Process

The good news is that the days of filling out paperwork manually and mailing every form in by hand are gone. Utilize e-filing to save yourself time. This is particularly helpful in the case of filing your 1099s. Switching to an online platform allows you to cut down on administration costs and makes the entire process more efficient.

As you utilize e-filing, you can start to convert a lot of your tax documents over to electronic forms. You can even scan important receipts and documents into your computer for safe keeping. Gravitating towards organizing all your files electronically can help cut down on the copious amounts of paperwork you find yourself buried in. Electronic organization also makes it far easier to find something you need when you need it.

Make The Switch: File 1099s Online

Here at OnlineFileTaxes.com, we are an IRS approved e-file provider. Our easy-to-use platform allows you to process any number of 1099 forms quickly and economically. You will no longer need to purchase and fill out lengthy forms by hand, nor will you need to invest in costly software. Instead, you can quickly file 1099s, ensuring that recipients receive their copies on time. Not only that, but you can file with the IRS through our online platform as well.

If you are interested in learning more about how our platform works, we invite you to reach out today. We will be happy to assist you in getting started. Choose the easy and fast method for filing your 1099s.

When Are You Required to Issue a 1099?

With tax season just around the corner, you’re probably figuring out which forms you need to file. According to the IRS, “If you made or received a payment during the calendar year as a small business or self-employed (individual), you are most likely required to file an information return to the IRS.” Keep reading to see if you do, in fact, need to file Form 1099 for the 2018 tax year.

We will discuss the following three scenarios and how it relates to filing/reporting:

  • You made a payment

  • You received a payment

  • You are not required to file information returns

You made a payment

Payments in the course of your trade or business warrant the filing of 1099-MISC. In short, this form is used to report payments made to contractors by business entities. Keep in mind that rent, royalty, prizes, and monetary awards must be reported on 1099-MISC forms.

Businesses are required to file such forms for each person to whom they have paid during the year. Not only should a business provide a statement to the recipient to whom the payment is made, but they must file the form with the IRS as well. One final note regarding Form 1099-MISC is that medical/healthcare payments and attorneys’ fees must be reported.

While 1099-MISC might be the most commonly known form for those who made a payment, there are certainly others worth knowing about. Take 1099-INT, for example. If you paid interest on a business debt to someone (excluding interest on an obligation issued by an individual), then you will need to complete this tax form.

Form 1099-DIV, meanwhile, accounts for dividends or other distributions to a company shareholder. Then there’s Form 1099-R, which entails the distribution from a retirement or profit plan or from an insurance contract or an IRA. The last piece of documentation worth mentioning in this section is Form 1099-K, which involves payments to merchants or other entities in the settlement of reportable payment transactions or third party network transactions.

You received a payment   

You will need to file the appropriate forms if you received any of the following types of payments:

  • Did you receive a payment of mortgage interest or reimbursements of overpaid interest from individuals? Then you will need to complete Form 1098. Note that the reported amount can include points paid by the borrower at the time of purchase of a primary residence.

  • If you were involved in the sale or exchange or real estate, then you will need to file Form 1099-S. Such transactions could be for money, property, or services of any present or future ownership interest in any land. Residential, commercial, and industrial properties all fall into this category.

  • Let’s consider a different sort of reporting scenario. Maybe you forgave someone’s debt to you in the past year and now it’s time to account for it with the IRS. In this case, Form 1099-C needs to be filed for each debtor for whom the debt owed is $600 or more if the debtor is an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, estate, association, or company.

You are not required to file an information return   

We’ve already outlined which 1099 you need based on whether you made or received a payment. Here are some situations in which you are not required to file an information return:

  • You are not involved in any business or trade matters.

  • You made a payment to an incorporated business, but it was not for medical and/or legal services.

  • The sum of all payments is less than $600 in the last tax year.

File 1099 Forms With Ease

At OnlineFileTaxes.com, we understand the complexities that often come with 1099 preparation.

That’s why we sought out to develop a quicker and easier filing system. With OnlineFileTaxes.com, you can process any number of forms seamlessly and economically.

No longer do you have to waste valuable business hours filling out lengthy forms and trying to figure out confusing software. Whether you’re a business owner, CPA, or individual, OnlineFileTaxes.com could be a game-changer come tax season. Plus, you can’t beat our price of $1.25 per form.

It’s time to make the switch to OnlineFileTaxes.com! Contact us today for more information.

New due date announced for ACA Form 1095-B and 1095-C

IRS has extended the due date for employers to mail recipient copies of ACA forms (Form 1095-B and Form 1095-C) to employees until March 4, 2019. IRS through its Notice 2018-94 extended this deadline. Prior to this notice, the due date was January 31, 2019. This comes as a little bit of relief for the employers struggling to file the health care forms 1095-B and 1099-C in a timely manner. Many employers have complaints that the tight deadline has put the employers at a disadvantage. They find it difficult to meet the deadlines. Now with the extension to file ACA forms employers get extra 30 days to prepare and file their forms. It is important to note that the due date to e-file the 1095-B and 1095-C has not changed and employers must e-file their forms with the IRS by March 31, 2019. OnlineFileTaxes.com remains committed to providing an exceptional service to its clients in filing ACA forms 1095-B and 1095-C in a timely fashion.

What To Do If You Miss The Deadline For Filing Your 1099s

No one enjoys filing tax forms, but for a business owner, this task is a must. While procrastination can happen to the best of us, failing to file your 1099s in a timely manner can be a costly mistake. If you are facing down tax season and you aren’t sure what deadlines you need to meet or what happens if you miss them, we are here to help. Our goal is to make filing 1099s a simple and fast process so that you never have to face the dilemma of missed deadlines. Read on to learn more about what deadlines you need to meet and what will happen if you do not get your paperwork in on time.

January 31: An Important Date To Remember

One of the most important deadlines for you to keep in mind in regards to filing 1099s is January 31. This is the date by which most of your forms will be due. Not only is it vital that you have submitted and filed these forms with the IRS by January 31, but this will also help ensure that recipients receive their copies by the proper date as well.

While it may feel like an overwhelming task, procrastinating filing your 1099s is a disastrous choice with hefty consequences. Be sure that you clearly understand all relevant deadlines and that you start the process early. You can begin filling out all the information in December to prevent missed deadlines.

Reasons You Might Be Penalized

There are multiple reasons why you might wind up being penalized by the IRS in regards to your 1099s. If you miss the January deadline, you will be hit with fines for every late 1099 form. This can quickly add up if you have hundreds of 1099s to submit, which is why handling it in a timely manner is vital.

Another reason you might be penalized is for not providing adequate information to the IRS. Make sure that you fill out the forms completely and that you do not skip over any vital information. Missed information can also lead to hefty fines.

Finally, you can be penalized for filing 1099s with incorrect information. Any corrections you need to submit after the January deadline will cost you in fines and fees. Learn more about the specific penalties you might be subject to on our Penalties for 1099s page.

Reasonable Exceptions

While submitting your forms late, incomplete, or with incorrect information can all be the cause for major fines from the IRS, there are situations where you can get out of these fines. In the case where you had a viable reason for messing up the forms or submitting them late, you can get the fees waived. In order to do this, you will need to document your reasoning and submit it to the IRS. You will need to prove to the IRS that your mistake was due to a reasonable cause, not because of your own negligence. Unfortunately, forgetfulness or procrastination will not be enough cause for the fees to be waived. You will have to convince the IRS that you did your due diligence but that something outside of your control prevented you from submitting the correct information on time.

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Take Action Right Away

If you have missed the deadline for filing 1099s, the best thing you can do is take action right away. Submit any missed forms or corrected information immediately. You can then work on submitting information to the IRS in an attempt to prove that this was not due to your negligence. The longer you put off rectifying the situation, the more fines you will be penalized with.

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One of the best ways you can prevent the unfortunate mistake of forgetting to file 1099s or filling them out incorrectly is to utilize our simple platform at OnlineFileTaxes.com. We make filing 1099s simple, fast, and affordable. Avoid missing the deadline, sign up for free today.

Guide For Choosing The Right Company For Online E-Filing

When it comes to online e-filing, not all options are the same. Choosing the right company to handle your online tax forms is a big decision. You want to ensure that everything is handled in a timely manner and that your forms are all filed properly with the IRS. In order to choose the right tax filing website, you will need to spend some time doing research and understanding what specifically you are looking for help with.

As you go about the process of finding the right company for online e-filing, we invite you to check out the following guide to choosing the ideal service for your needs.

Consider How Many Forms You Need to File

Not all businesses have the same needs when it comes to online tax forms. Perhaps you only need to file a handful of 1099s or maybe you are looking to file hundreds at a time. Not all online filing systems can handle large orders and some are specifically designed for massive corporations.

Ideally, it is wise to find a company that can handle any amount of tax forms, no matter how large or small. This will allow you to continue to utilize the same platform for years to come, even as your business grows. Sticking with one platform will allow you to spend less time in coming years searching for records and documentation.

Make Sure They Handle The Entire Process

Some companies will simply sell you packets of 1099s to download and fill out on your own. Others will allow you to prepare them online, but they can’t handle the actual filing process. Make sure you opt for a company that will cover the process from start to finish. For example, you should be able to fill out the forms online, e-file them with the IRS, as well as have copies sent out to the respective parties.

Choosing a company that handles every step of the process is convenient and time saving, as well as more cost effective than piecemealing it out. Look for a simple, one-stop platform.

Look For Affordable Pricing

Filing hundreds of 1099s can start to add up. Make sure that you look for a company that offers you affordable pricing options if you have numerous forms to file. The less money you can spend on this process the better for your business. Avoid platforms that are designed for massive corporations with higher costs. Many of these platforms have more bells and whistles than you actually need. Don’t waste your money on the unnecessary, instead, look for an affordable platform that meets your basic needs.

Find A Company Backed With Customer Support

Does the company you are considering offer any customer support? While ideally, everything will go smoothly and filing will be an error-free process, it is nice to know there is someone you can reach out to for help in case of an issue. Look for a tax filing service that is backed by customer support. Having support when you need it could mean the difference between missing an important deadline or getting your forms in on time.

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Be Sure They Are IRS Approved

Finally, make sure you opt for a company that is backed by the approval of the IRS. This will ensure that your forms are actually received by the IRS in a timely manner. An IRS approved e-file provider can quickly submit your forms, allowing you to rest easy with a greater peace of mind.

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Here at OnlineFileTaxes.com, we provide a simple, easy-to-use platform for online e-filing. If you are interested in finding a faster, more effective way to file 1099s, we invite you to sign up for free today. Whether you are filing a couple 1099s or hundreds, our affordable pricing and simple steps will make the entire process less stressful. Reach out today to learn more or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about our services.

5 Important Facts To Know Before Filing Your 1099s

5 Important Facts To Know Before Filing Your 1099s

When it comes to filing 1099s, you probably don’t relish the process. However, filing all your 1099s will be critical for your business. Failing to do so can result in fines and a big headache. If you are in the throes of 1099s preparation, we are here to help. Our easy online platform makes filing 1099s much simpler than ever before.

As you get ready to work on this project, check out the following five important facts that will help you file your 1099s like a pro.

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#1: There Are Numerous Types Of 1099s

When referring to the 1099 form, there are actually a large variety of 1099s that might be in play. Each 1099 form is utilized for a specific situation or payout. For example, a contractor will receive a different 1099 from your business than a person who received dividends from your company. Understanding which form to fill out for each unique situation will go a long way in the successful filing of all your tax forms. Some of the common 1099s you might encounter include the following:

  • 1099-MISC: the most commonly used 1099, this form reports commission paid to a freelancer or contractor who is not your employee.
  • 1099-DIV: this tax form reports dividends and distributions paid to a person.
  • 1099-INT: utilize this form when you pay someone more than $600 in interest.
  • 1099-B: file this form to document proceeds from broker and barter exchange transactions.
  • 1099-C: in the case of a cancellation of debt equally more than $600, this form will be utilized.
  • 1099-R: fill out this form to report distributions of pensions, annuities, retirement plans, and other related distributions
  • 1099-S: this tax form will be used to report process from real estate transactions.

As you can see, there are a variety of 1099s that you might need to fill out during tax season. Be sure you are clear on exactly which 1099s you are required to file and ensure you handle the process in a timely manner.

#2: Deadlines Must Be Met

When it comes to filing 1099s, one of the most important factors is your timing. There are strict deadlines that you need to meet in order to avoid penalties. File all appropriate 1099s by January 31, ensuring you provide documentation to both the IRS and the party in question. If you fail to meet the deadlines outlined by the IRS, you can face severe penalties. The more 1099s you have to file, the costlier procrastination will become. Not only will the IRS penalize you for being late, but you can also cause frustration to those who need to receive their 1099s prior to filing their own taxes.

#3: Don’t Skip Any Forms

It can feel overwhelming when you stare down the pile of tax forms you need to fill out. Due to the variety of 1099s, it can be tempting to just skip ones you are uncertain about. However, not filing the right forms can be a costly mistake. The IRS requires extremely accurate reporting, which means that overdoing it in regards to forms is better than underdoing it. Make sure that if you are in doubt about what 1099s you are required to file you seek the help of an experienced professional. While filing 1099s might not be your favorite activity, it is critical that you don’t skip a single form.

#4: Multiple Parties Receive The 1099

Don’t forget, in order for the 1099 process to be complete, the party in question needs a copy and you need to officially file the 1099s with the IRS. Skipping either side of this task could result in penalties, not to mention could be extremely frustrating for contractors and freelancers who depend upon receiving 1099s in order to file their own taxes. Be sure that you handle both filing with the IRS and mailing out copies to the respective parties at the same time to guard against forgetfulness or procrastination.

#5: Filing Online Provides Faster Results

One important fact to keep in mind during the upcoming tax season is that filing 1099s online will save you a massive amount of time. Rather than purchasing 1099s, printing them off, filling them out, and manually filing them with the IRS, you can utilize online e-filing to make the process simple.

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For example, here at OnlineFileTaxes.com you can fill out anywhere from one single 1099 to hundreds through our platform. We make it simple to not only fill out all your 1099s in one place, but we also make filing a breeze. As an IRS approved e-file provider, we can automatically file your 1099s with the IRS as well as send out copies to the appropriate parties. This prevents you from remembering multiple steps and saves you copious amounts of time and money. File all your 1099s today in one easy place at OnlineFileTaxes.com