What Happens If I Don’t Get My 1099?

Tax season can feel overwhelming for content creators, especially when you’re expecting tax forms from brands, sponsors, or platforms and they never show up. If you’re wondering, “What happens if I don’t get my 1099?” don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know.

What a 1099 Is and Why It Matters

A 1099 form is used to report income earned from non-traditional employment, such as freelancing, sponsorships, or platform-based revenue. If a company or client has paid you at least $600 in a year, they are required to send you a Form 1099-NEC (or 1099-K if payments were made through certain third-party processors like PayPal or Stripe). 

This form is sent to both you and the IRS, so they have an accurate record of money paid to you over the year.

Not every content creator will receive a 1099. Some reasons you may not get one include:

• The company paid you less than $600.
• You were paid through PayPal, Venmo, or another third-party processor that may issue a 1099-K instead.
• The brand forgot or failed to issue the form on time. Regardless of whether you receive a 1099, you are still required to report all your income on your tax return. 

What to Do If You Don’t Get Your 1099

If you believe you should have received a 1099 but it hasn’t arrived by the end of January, here’s what to do:

• Check Your Email & Spam Folder: Many companies send 1099s electronically, so be sure to check your inbox thoroughly. (It could be buried with those Ulta Coupons!)
• Log Into Your Payment Platforms: Some companies provide 1099s through portals like PayPal, Stripe, or QuickBooks.
• Contact the Payer: Reach out to the company or brand that paid you and ask if they issued a 1099. They may have an incorrect email or mailing address on file.
• Review Your Own Records: If you kept track of your earnings throughout the year, you can use your own documentation to report your income accurately.

How to Report Income Without a 1099

Even if you don’t receive a 1099, you must still report all self-employment income on your tax return. Failure to do so can result in penalties, interest, and potential audits.

Here’s how you can report income without a 1099:

• Use Your Invoices and Bank Statements: Gather records of payments received, whether through direct deposits, PayPal, Venmo, or other methods.
• Fill Out Schedule C: When filing your taxes, report your income and deductible expenses on Schedule C of Form 1040.
• Keep Detailed Records: Proper record-keeping is crucial to avoid underreporting income, which could lead to IRS penalties.

How to Deduct Expenses Without a 1099?

You don’t need a 1099 to claim business-related deductions. Just make sure you track your business-related expenses and how they apply to your business. Not sure what’s deductible? We’ve got a handy deduction cheat sheet you can download and use.

Final Thoughts

Not getting a 1099 can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. If you’re missing multiple 1099s, have a complicated tax situation, or are unsure about deductions, it’s a good idea to consult a professional. They can help ensure you’re reporting correctly and maximizing your deductions while staying compliant with IRS regulations. We only work with content creators like you, so we understand your business and how tax rules affect you. Book a call to see how we can work together.