# How to Print 1099 and 1096 Forms in QuickBooks?
**Printing 1099 and 1096 forms correctly** is essential for staying compliant with IRS regulations and ensuring your contractors receive accurate tax documents on time. Whether you use QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, or Contractor Payments, this comprehensive guide explains **how to print 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, and 1096 forms**, whether you’ve already e-filed or plan to print and mail them manually.

If you pay independent contractors, vendors, or freelancers, understanding the proper way to **prepare and print 1099 forms in QuickBooks** can save you time, prevent errors, and help you avoid IRS penalties.

## Understanding 1099 and 1096 Forms in QuickBooks

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand the difference between these forms:

* **1099-NEC –** Reports nonemployee compensation paid to contractors.
* **1099-MISC –** Reports miscellaneous income.
* **1096 –** Annual summary and transmittal form required only when filing paper 1099 forms with the IRS.

If you file electronically through the IRS or QuickBooks, you generally do not need to submit Form 1096.

## Do You Need to E-File or Print 1099 Forms?

The IRS requires businesses filing 10 or more combined federal forms (such as 1099s and W-2s) to file electronically. You can:

* E-file directly with the IRS using the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS)
* E-file through QuickBooks and Intuit services (fees may apply)
* Print and mail paper forms manually

Your printing process depends on whether you have already e-filed.


## How to Print 1099 Forms After E-Filing?

If you already submitted your 1099s electronically, you can still download and print PDF copies for your records or contractors.

### A. Print 1099s in QuickBooks Online or Contractor Payments

If you use QuickBooks Online, follow these steps to print a previously e-filed 1099:

1. Navigate to **Expenses & Bills**
2. Select **Contractors**
3. Click **1099 Filings**
4. Choose **View 1099**
5. Download the **PDF copy**
6. Print the form

When e-filing, QuickBooks may offer a print-and-mail service for an additional fee. If you decline that option, you can print and mail copies yourself.

### B. Print 1099s in QuickBooks Desktop After E-Filing

If you used Tax1099 integration inside QuickBooks Desktop, log into your Tax1099 account to view and print submitted forms.

## How to Print 1099 Forms If You Didn’t E-File?

If you chose not to e-file, you must create the 1099 forms inside QuickBooks before printing them.

**Important:** 1099 forms are not automatically generated. You must complete the 1099 preparation workflow first.

### A. Print 1099 in QuickBooks Online (Without E-Filing)

Follow these steps to create and print 1099 forms:

* Go to **Expenses & Bills**
* Select **1099s**
* Click **Prepare 1099s**
* Review **contractor payment details**
* Complete the **1099 wizard**
* Select **Print and Mail Instead**
* Choose **I’ll Print and Mail**
* Follow **alignment instructions**
* Print on **pre-printed 1099 forms**

**Important:** Purchase your **official IRS 1099 kit** by mid-January to ensure timely filing. Always verify IRS deadlines for contractor delivery and filing.

#### Fix 1099 Printing Alignment Issues (QuickBooks Online)

Sometimes browser settings cause printing problems. For best results, use:

* Google Chrome
* Mozilla Firefox

##### Chrome Printing Fix

1. Open **Chrome settings**
2. Go to **Privacy and Security**
3. Select **Site Settings**
4. Choose **PDF Documents**
5. Enable **Download PDFs** instead of automatically opening in Chrome
6. Reattempt printing

Before printing:

* Click **More Settings**
* Ensure **“Fit to printable area”** is **NOT** selected
* Set scale to **100%**

##### Firefox Printing Fix

1. Open **Firefox** menu
2. Go to **Options**
3. Select **General**
4. Find PDF under **Applications**
5. Set default action to your **PDF viewer**
6. Reprint the **1099**

If Adobe is not opening PDFs:

1. Right-click the **file**
2. Choose **“Open With”**
3. Select **Adobe Acrobat**

Correct alignment is critical to avoid wasting pre-printed forms.

### B. How to Print 1099 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop?

If you use QuickBooks Desktop, follow this structured process:

#### Step 1: Update QuickBooks

1. Go to **Help**
2. Select **Update QuickBooks**
3. Install the **latest release**
4. Check **“Reset Update”**

You must use the latest version to print 1099 forms correctly.

#### Step 2: Create and Print 1099 Forms

1. Go to **Vendors**
2. Select **1099 Forms**
3. Click **Print/E-file 1099 Forms**
4. Choose your **filing method**:
* Print 1099-NEC
* Print 1099-MISC
5. Select the **correct date range**
6. Choose **vendors**
7. Click **Print 109**9
8. Confirm **printer setup**
9. Print **forms**

If printing **Form 1096**, choose **Print 1096** instead.

### C. How to Print 1099 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac?

Mac users follow similar steps:

1. Update to the **latest QuickBooks Desktop for Mac release**
2. Go to **Vendors**
3. Select **1099 Forms**
4. Choose **Print or E-file 1099/1096**
5. Select form type **(1099-NEC or 1099-MISC)**
6. Specify **date range**
7. Choose **vendors**
8. Click **Print**

Always verify printer alignment before printing multiple copies.

## How to Print Form 1096 in QuickBooks?

Form 1096 is required only if you file paper 1099 forms with the IRS.

If you e-file, the IRS does not require Form 1096.

### QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online does not generate Form 1096. However, you can view a summary report under the **1099 Filings** tab for equivalent information.

### QuickBooks Desktop

In QuickBooks Desktop:

* If you e-filed via **Tax1099**, print a copy from your Tax1099 account.
* If you are filing by mail, **create 1099 forms first**.
* Then select **Print 1096** from the 1099 printing window.

## Pro Tips for Accurate 1099 Printing

To ensure smooth filing:

* Verify contractor tax information (TIN, EIN, SSN)
* Confirm payment totals before generating forms
* Update QuickBooks before printing
* Use official IRS pre-printed forms
* Test alignment on blank paper first
* Double-check deadlines

## IRS Filing Deadlines for 1099 Forms

Most 1099-NEC forms must be delivered to contractors and filed with the IRS by January 31.

Missing deadlines can result in financial penalties. Always review current IRS filing requirements before submitting.

## Final Thoughts

Printing 1099 and 1096 forms in QuickBooks doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop, the key steps include:

* Determining whether you e-filed
* Preparing 1099 forms properly
* Updating your software
* Verifying printer alignment
* Meeting IRS deadlines

By following the structured steps in this guide, you can confidently generate, print, and file your 1099 forms accurately and on time.

If you regularly pay contractors, consider automating e-filing within QuickBooks to streamline compliance and reduce manual errors.

## Frequently Asked Questions
### Q. Why does printing 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC result in two separate 1096 forms in QuickBooks Desktop?

In QuickBooks Desktop, Form 1096 is generated separately for each type of 1099 form you print. This happens because the IRS requires a separate Form 1096 for each information return type submitted by mail.

For example:

* If you print 1099-NEC, QuickBooks creates one 1096 summarizing those totals.
* If you also print 1099-MISC, it generates a second 1096 reflecting only MISC totals.

Each 1096 acts as a transmittal summary for its corresponding form type. This ensures IRS processing accuracy and compliance.

### Q. Where can 1099 forms be accessed and printed in QuickBooks Online?

In QuickBooks Online, you can access and print 1099 forms through the 1099 filing center:

#### A. To print previously prepared or e-filed forms:

1. Go to **Expenses**
2. Select **Contractors**
3. Click **1099 Filings**
4. Choose **View 1099**
5. Download the **PDF and print**

#### B. If you haven’t created the forms yet:

1. Go to **Expenses**
2. Select **1099s**
3. Click **Prepare 1099s**
4. Complete the setup
5. Choose **Print and Mail**

QuickBooks Online allows you to either e-file or print paper copies for mailing.

### Q. Is it possible to correct errors on Form 1096 after it has already been submitted?

Yes, but the correction process depends on how you filed:

#### A. If you e-filed:
You must submit a corrected return electronically. In most cases, you’ll file a corrected 1099 form rather than amending Form 1096 directly.

#### B. If you mailed paper forms:
You must:

* Prepare corrected 1099 forms
* Complete a new 1096 form with updated totals
* Check the **“Corrected”** box (if applicable)
* Mail the corrected documents to the IRS

It’s critical to fix errors promptly to avoid penalties. Always verify vendor totals and tax IDs before submission.

### Q. Which is more efficient for filing - e-filing Form 1096 or printing and mailing it?

E-filing is generally more efficient than printing and mailing. Here’s why:

* Faster IRS processing
* Reduced risk of mailing delays
* Fewer manual entry errors
* Automatic confirmation receipts
* No need to submit Form 1096 separately

When you e-file through the IRS or QuickBooks, you typically do not need to submit Form 1096 because the electronic submission replaces it.

For businesses filing multiple 1099s, electronic filing saves time and improves accuracy.

### Q. What steps ensure vendor information is accurate before generating Form 1096?

Before creating 1099 or 1096 forms, review each vendor’s profile carefully.

In QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online, follow these steps:

1. Verify **vendor legal name matches their W-9**
2. Confirm **Tax Identification Number** (TIN/EIN/SSN)
3. Check **vendor address**
4. Ensure vendor is marked as **“Track payments for 1099”**
5. Review **expense account mappings**
6. Run a **1099 summary report** to confirm totals

Taking these steps prevents IRS rejections and costly corrections.

### Q. How do you generate and print a 1099 summary report in QuickBooks Online?

To generate a 1099 summary report in QuickBooks Online:

1. Go to **Reports**
2. Search for **1099 Contractor Balance Summary**
3. Select the **correct tax year**
4. Click **Run Report**
5. Review **contractor totals**
6. Select **Print or Export to PDF**

This report helps you verify payment totals before preparing official 1099 forms.

### Q. What procedure retrieves a 1099-K form from QuickBooks Online?

Form 1099-K reports third-party payment transactions, typically issued by payment processors—not directly created inside QuickBooks.

If you use QuickBooks Payments within QuickBooks Online, you can retrieve your 1099-K by:

1. Logging into your **QuickBooks Online account**
2. Navigating to **Payments or Merchant Services**
3. Accessing the **Tax Forms** section
4. Downloading **Form 1099-K** (if available)

If you don’t see it, contact your payment processor, as they are responsible for issuing 1099-K forms.

### Q. What should you do when encountering printing issues with Form 1096 in QuickBooks Online?

If you experience alignment or printing problems:

#### Step 1: Check Browser Settings

1. Use **Google Chrome** or **Mozilla Firefox**
2. Disable **“Fit to page”** or scaling options
3. Set scale to **100%**

#### Step 2: Download Instead of Preview

1. Save the **PDF first**
2. Open it in **Adobe Acrobat**
3. **Print from Adobe** instead of the browser

#### Step 3: Verify Printer Setup

1. Confirm correct **paper size**
2. Use **official IRS pre-printed forms**
3. Run a test print on **blank paper**

If problems persist, clear browser cache or try another browser. Proper alignment prevents wasting official forms and ensures IRS acceptance.

### Q. What steps are required to print a 1099 Copy B form for recipients in QuickBooks?

Copy B of Form 1099 is the copy you provide to contractors or recipients for their tax filing purposes.

#### A. In QuickBooks Online

1. Go to **Expenses** and select **Contractors**.
2. Click **Prepare 1099s** (or open 1099 Filings if already created).
3. Complete the **1099 setup process**.
4. Choose **Print and Mail** instead of e-filing (if applicable).
5. Select **Print Copy B** (Recipient Copy).
6. Download the **PDF file**.
7. Print on **IRS-approved pre-printed 1099 Copy B forms**.

#### B. In QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Go to **Vendors**.
2. Select **1099 Forms**.
3. Click **Print/E-file 1099 Forms**.
4. Choose **Print 1099-NEC or Print 1099-MISC**.
5. Select **vendors and date range**.
6. Choose **Print 1099** and confirm **printer alignment**.

Always verify alignment by printing on blank paper first to avoid wasting official forms.

### Q. How can 1099 forms be printed in QuickBooks Desktop 2021?

To print 1099 forms in QuickBooks Desktop 2021, follow these steps:

#### Step 1: Update QuickBooks

1. Go to **Help**
2. Select **Update QuickBooks Desktop**
3. Install the **latest release**
4. Restart the **program**

#### Step 2: Prepare 1099 Forms

1. Navigate to **Vendors**
2. Click **1099 Forms**
3. Select **Print/E-file 1099 Forms**
4. Choose the **correct form type** (1099-NEC or 1099-MISC)
5. Enter the appropriate **tax year date range**
6. Select **vendors** to include
7. Click **Print 1099**

#### Step 3: Confirm Printer Settings

1. Use **official IRS red forms**
2. Check **alignment**
3. Set **scale to 100%**
4. Perform a **test print**

Using the latest software release ensures correct formatting and IRS compliance.

### Q. What is the process to print 1099-MISC forms using QuickBooks Desktop?

Printing 1099-MISC forms in QuickBooks Desktop involves these steps:

1. Confirm **vendor information** is correct (TIN, address, and 1099 eligibility).
2. Map expense accounts to the appropriate **1099-MISC boxes**.
3. Go to **Vendors**.
4. Select **1099 Forms**.
5. Click **Print/E-file 1099 Forms**.
6. Choose **Print 1099-MISC**.
7. Enter the **reporting date range**.
8. Select **vendors**.
9. Review **totals**.
10. Click **Print**.

If you are filing by mail, QuickBooks will also generate a separate **Form 1096 for 1099-MISC** submissions.

Always print a test page before using pre-printed IRS forms to ensure proper alignment.

### Q. How should 1099-DIV forms be printed directly from QuickBooks?

Form 1099-DIV reports dividends and distributions. QuickBooks primarily supports 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC for contractor payments. It does not directly generate 1099-DIV forms because dividend reporting typically applies to financial institutions or corporations issuing dividends.

If your business must file Form 1099-DIV:

* Use a specialized tax filing service.
* Or prepare the form using IRS-approved tax software.

If you attempt to manage dividend payments within QuickBooks Desktop, consult a tax professional to ensure proper compliance. Dividend reporting often requires separate filing procedures outside standard QuickBooks workflows.