On-Demand Webinar

1099 Federal/State Final Pre-Filing Tips

  • Recorded January 15, 2026
  • 100 Minutes
  • Available now
CE credits
  • 2.00 IRS (Preparer Tax Identification Number)
  • 1.50 ATATX (Aurora Accounting)

What You'll Learn

With frequent changes to IRS Form 1099 and evolving information reporting rules, staying current is not just important, it’s essential. This comprehensive webinar is designed to help CPAs, accounts payable professionals, payroll teams, and tax departments minimize costly filing errors and stay in compliance with the latest regulatory updates. Whether you're new to Form 1099 or need a refresher on recent changes, this course delivers clear, practical guidance in plain English to ensure you're well-prepared for accurate year-end reporting.
  1. Determine which 1099 forms to use, identify key trouble spots on commonly filed forms such as 1099-MISC, 1099-R, 1099-INT, 1099-K, and Form 945
  2. Understand the nuances of the most complex 1099-MISC boxes including rent, leases, prizes and awards, attorney and settlement payments, and how to handle payments for damages
  3. Learn how to validate W-9 forms effectively, including handling multiple names, undocumented or exempt payees, and using the IRS TIN Match Program
  4. Stay informed on the latest updates to Form 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC, and learn best practices for accurate reporting
  5. Gain clarity on identifying reportable payees such as sole proprietors, LLCs, S-Corps, and agents or intermediaries
  6. Discover essential tips for e-filing and using the Combined Federal/State Filing Program
  7. Get practical guidance on backup withholding, including how to manage Box 4 of Form 1099-MISC and NEC, and when to use Form 945
View Full Description

Led by industry expert and corporate tax attorney Steven D. Mercatante, Esq., this session delves into the most challenging payee and payment reporting issues. From document validation using W-9s to navigating the trickiest Form 1099-MISC boxes, you’ll gain actionable insights into IRS requirements. The webinar also covers recent developments in Form 1099-NEC and MISC, e-filing strategies, backup withholding guidance, and best practices to ensure smooth and penalty-free reporting.

Attending this webinar equips you with the tools to confidently handle Form 1099 reporting, reduce the risk of penalties, and streamline your compliance processes.

Who Should Attend:
CPAs, accounts payable professionals, payroll specialists, tax department staff, and anyone responsible for year-end reporting and 1099 compliance.

Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Format: Live webcast
Instructional Method: Group: Internet-based
NASBA Field of Study: Taxes (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None

Meet Your Speaker

Steven Mercatante

Steven Mercatante is the principal and founder of TIR Consulting, LLC. He is a nationally recognized leader in tax reporting education and consulting on specialized compliance issues. He has conducted on-site consultation for corporate clients from across the world and led countless seminars and...

View Full Bio of Steven Mercatante

What Attendees Are Saying

  • “Very informative with some helpful tips.”

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CE Credits

These are the continuing education credits available to you for this webinar.

  • 2.00 IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number
  • 1.50 ATATX Aurora Accounting Aurora Training Advantage is offering continuing education points designed to recognize dedication to training and excellence in accounting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important pre-filing checks before submitting 1099 forms?
Before submitting 1099 forms, organizations should run through several critical pre-filing checks to prevent costly errors and IRS penalties. Start by validating all vendor TINs using the IRS TIN Matching Program and reviewing W-9 forms on file for completeness and accuracy. Verify that the correct 1099 form type is being used for each payment—1099-NEC for nonemployee compensation, 1099-MISC for rent, royalties, and other payments. Check for missing or incomplete payee information, confirm dollar thresholds are met, and identify any backup withholding amounts that need to be reported in Box 4. Review recent IRS updates for the current filing year, as form boxes and requirements often change. Finally, confirm your e-filing registration through the IRS FIRE system or IRIS portal is active. These steps significantly reduce the likelihood of corrections and penalties.
What is the e-filing threshold for 1099 forms and how do you file electronically?
Beginning with the 2023 tax year, the IRS lowered the e-filing threshold for information returns to 10 or more forms in aggregate across all return types. Organizations filing 10 or more 1099s—when combined with other information returns like W-2s—are required to file electronically. There are two primary IRS e-filing systems: the FIRE (File Information Returns Electronically) system, which accepts large bulk files and requires a Transmitter Control Code (TCC), and the newer IRIS (Information Returns Intake System) Taxpayer Portal, which allows form-by-form data entry or CSV upload without a TCC. Both systems are free to use. Missing the electronic filing mandate can result in penalties even if the paper returns are otherwise accurate.
How do you validate a W-9 form to ensure accurate 1099 reporting?
Validating a Form W-9 is one of the most important steps in ensuring accurate 1099 reporting and minimizing the risk of backup withholding and B-Notices. Start by confirming the legal name matches the TIN type provided—for individuals, the Social Security Number should match their legal name, while for businesses, the EIN should match the entity name on file with the IRS. Watch for red flags like multiple names listed, mismatched entity types, or foreign indicators on what should be a domestic payee form. Undocumented or exempt payees require special handling. Once received, cross-reference the name/TIN combination with the IRS TIN Matching Program before filing season begins. Annual re-solicitation is recommended for high-value vendors or any time a B-Notice is received.
Which payments must be reported on Form 1099-MISC versus 1099-NEC?
Knowing which form to use is one of the most common sources of 1099 confusion. Form 1099-NEC is used exclusively to report nonemployee compensation—payments of $600 or more to independent contractors, freelancers, and other self-employed individuals for services rendered. Form 1099-MISC covers a wide range of other payments including rent (Box 1), royalties (Box 2), prizes and awards (Box 3), medical and healthcare payments (Box 6), and attorney gross proceeds (Box 10). A key distinction: attorney fees for services go on 1099-NEC, while gross proceeds paid to an attorney go on 1099-MISC Box 10. Director fees, fishing boat proceeds, and crop insurance payments also have specific form and box assignments. Using the wrong form or box is a reportable error and can trigger IRS scrutiny.
What is the Combined Federal/State Filing Program and how does it work?
The IRS Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) Program allows payers to file certain information returns with the IRS and have those returns automatically forwarded to participating states, eliminating the need to file separate state copies. The program covers most 1099 form types, but does not include 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC as of recent guidance. Not all states participate, and participating states may still require direct filing for certain form types or threshold amounts. Before relying on CF/SF to satisfy state obligations, filers should verify participation and requirements for each state where they have a reporting obligation. Non-participating or non-covered forms require separate state filing, which can involve different systems, deadlines, and formats. Annual compliance training is the most reliable way to stay current.