Types of 1099 Forms Explained
Every common 1099 form — what it is, who receives it, and what it means for your taxes.
By Reba Donaldson · Last reviewed: April 2026
There are over 20 types of 1099 forms
The IRS uses different 1099 forms for different types of income. Here are the ones most people actually encounter:
Who gets it: Freelancers, contractors, gig workers
When issued: Paid $600+ for services as a non-employee
What to know: This is the most common 1099 for self-employed people. Income goes on Schedule C.
Who gets it: Recipients of rent, prizes, royalties, medical payments
When issued: $600+ in rents, prizes, or other miscellaneous income
What to know: Used for income that doesn't fit other categories. No longer used for contractor payments (that's now 1099-NEC).
Who gets it: Sellers on eBay, Etsy, PayPal, Venmo, Amazon, etc.
When issued: $5,000+ in payment transactions in 2025 (threshold changes annually)
What to know: Covers sales through payment processors. Does not mean the full amount is taxable — only your profit is.
Who gets it: Bank account holders, bond investors
When issued: $10+ in interest income
What to know: Taxed as ordinary income. Usually straightforward — just report the amount on your 1040.
Who gets it: Stock and mutual fund investors
When issued: $10+ in dividends
What to know: Qualified dividends are taxed at lower capital gains rates. Ordinary dividends are taxed as regular income.
Who gets it: Investors who sold stocks, ETFs, or other securities
When issued: Any sale of securities through a broker
What to know: Reports your sale proceeds. You'll need to calculate gain or loss using your cost basis.
Who gets it: Retirees, people who withdrew from IRAs or 401(k)s
When issued: Any distribution from a retirement account
What to know: Most distributions are taxable as ordinary income. Early withdrawals (under 59½) may incur a 10% penalty.
Who gets it: Unemployment recipients, state tax refund recipients
When issued: Received unemployment benefits or a state tax refund
What to know: Unemployment compensation is fully taxable. State tax refunds are only taxable if you itemized deductions last year.
Who gets it: Social Security recipients
When issued: Received Social Security benefits
What to know: Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable depending on your combined income.
When do 1099s arrive?
Payers are required to send 1099s by January 31st of the year following the tax year. So your 2025 1099s should arrive by January 31, 2026. If you haven't received a 1099 you're expecting by mid-February, contact the payer directly.
What if the amount on my 1099 is wrong?
Contact the payer immediately and request a corrected 1099. Do not file your return using an incorrect amount. If the payer won't correct it, you can still report the correct income on your return — just be prepared to explain the discrepancy if the IRS asks.