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Question: What is the difference between Form 1099-NEC and Form 1099-MISC, and when are they due?

Form 1099-NEC vs. 1099-MISC: Deadlines, Thresholds, and What Goes Where

Two different 1099 forms come with two different due dates. Misfiling a payment or missing the February or March cutoff can trigger IRS late-filing penalties. Here is how to get both forms right.

IRS & Compliance4 min read

Quick answer

Form 1099-NEC reports nonemployee compensation of $600 or more, such as payments to independent contractors. Its deadline is February 2, 2026, for both paper and e-file. Form 1099-MISC covers other miscellaneous payments such as rent, royalties, and prizes. The paper deadline for 1099-MISC is March 2, 2026, and the e-file deadline is March 31, 2026. Businesses that file 10 or more information returns must e-file. Using the wrong form or missing the deadline can trigger IRS penalties.

Key points

  • Form 1099-NEC reports nonemployee compensation of $600 or more and is due February 2, 2026, for both paper and e-file filers.
  • Form 1099-MISC covers rent, royalties, and other miscellaneous income; its paper deadline is March 2, 2026, and e-file deadline is March 31, 2026.
  • Royalties have a lower threshold: any payment of $10 or more in royalties requires a Form 1099-MISC.
  • Businesses that file 10 or more information returns must file electronically, a rule effective since tax year 2023.

Two forms, two categories of payment

When the IRS reintroduced Form 1099-NEC, it moved nonemployee compensation off Form 1099-MISC, which continues to handle a separate set of miscellaneous income payments. Understanding which form covers which payment is the foundation of small business accounting compliance.[1][5]

What goes on Form 1099-NEC

Use Form 1099-NEC when you pay $600 or more to any individual who is not your employee and who performed services for your business.[2] Common examples include independent contractors, freelancers, and sole proprietors who provide professional services. If your total payments to a vendor reach $600 in the calendar year, a 1099-NEC is required. Our business tax return preparation team can help you identify which payees need a form.

What goes on Form 1099-MISC

Form 1099-MISC covers payments that fall outside the nonemployee compensation definition.[5] These include at least $600 in rent, prizes and awards, other income payments, and medical or health care payments. Royalties have a lower threshold: any payment of $10 or more in royalties during the year requires a 1099-MISC for that payee.[7]

2026 filing deadlines for both forms

Form 1099-NEC has a single deadline of February 2, 2026, for both paper and electronic filers.[3] Form 1099-MISC gives you additional time: paper copies are due March 2, 2026,[4] and e-filed copies are due March 31, 2026.[8] The table below shows both forms side by side.

FormPaper DeadlineE-File Deadline
Form 1099-NECFebruary 2, 2026February 2, 2026
Form 1099-MISCMarch 2, 2026March 31, 2026

The e-file mandate: when electronic filing is required

Starting with tax year 2023, any business that files 10 or more information returns in aggregate must file electronically.[6] This count spans all categories of information returns combined. If your business has payroll, multiple contractors, and rental income, the total across all return types can quickly reach 10. Our professional services tax help page covers how professional services firms often exceed this threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Form 1099-NEC and Form 1099-MISC?

Form 1099-NEC reports nonemployee compensation paid to independent contractors and other self-employed individuals who receive $600 or more during the year. Form 1099-MISC covers a broader set of miscellaneous payments such as rent, prizes and awards, and royalties of $10 or more. The IRS reintroduced Form 1099-NEC to separate these two categories from miscellaneous income.

When is Form 1099-NEC due in 2026?

Form 1099-NEC is due by February 2, 2026, for both paper filers and electronic filers. Unlike most other 1099 forms, there is no extended deadline for e-filers on Form 1099-NEC. Both the copy you send to the recipient and the copy you file with the IRS are due on the same date.

When is Form 1099-MISC due in 2026?

The paper filing deadline for Form 1099-MISC is March 2, 2026. If you file electronically, the deadline extends to March 31, 2026. These later deadlines apply only to Form 1099-MISC and most other general 1099 forms, not to Form 1099-NEC.

What is the reporting threshold for filing a 1099 form?

The general filing threshold is $600 paid to any single payee during the tax year. This $600 threshold applies to Form 1099-NEC for nonemployee compensation and to Form 1099-MISC for rent, prizes, and similar payments. Royalties on Form 1099-MISC have a lower threshold: you must file if you paid $10 or more in royalties to a single payee during the year.

Who is required to e-file their 1099 forms?

Starting with tax year 2023, any business that files 10 or more information returns in total is required to submit them electronically. This threshold applies across all information return types combined, not just 1099 forms. Businesses below the 10-return threshold may still choose to file electronically using the IRS FIRE system or an approved e-file provider.

Sources

  1. About Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation · Internal Revenue Service
  2. Am I Required to File a Form 1099 or Other Information Return? · Internal Revenue Service
  3. General Instructions for Certain Information Returns (2025) · Internal Revenue Service
  4. General Instructions for Certain Information Returns (2025) · Internal Revenue Service
  5. About Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information · Internal Revenue Service
  6. Am I Required to File a Form 1099 or Other Information Return? · Internal Revenue Service
  7. About Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information · Internal Revenue Service
  8. General Instructions for Certain Information Returns (2025) · Internal Revenue Service