- 1099 filing tools at a glance
- Nine 1099 filing tools
- The IRS option many small businesses don't know about
- Small business, accountant or high-volume filer?
- A calm 1099 season
- Features that save time
- State filing
- Keeping records
- When contractors won't send a W-9
- My plain advice on 1099 software
- Frequently asked questions
The best 1099 software lets you import contractor details, e-file 1099 forms with the IRS and send copies to recipients, so year-end filing takes an afternoon instead of a week. Some tools focus on small businesses, some on accountants and some on high-volume filers. Nine options follow in no particular order.
If you pay contractors in the US, 1099 season comes around every year. Chasing W-9s, checking tax ID numbers and mailing copies by hand is slow and easy to get wrong.
The nine tools below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, all from specialist e-filing providers. Each description comes from the tool's own site, read this week. If you're still deciding how to classify workers, my article on S Corp vs LLC for small businesses covers some of the wider setup choices.
1099 filing tools at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes free use or a free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated on the pages we read.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1099FIRE | E-filing service | High-volume A2A transmissions | No |
| 1099Online | 1099 e-filing | Bulk imports and mailing copies | Yes |
| BoomTax | E-filing platform | Importing from payroll systems | No |
| eFile360 | 1099 e-filing | Simple filing for small businesses | Yes |
| efile4Biz | Forms e-filing | Delivering forms and filing together | Yes |
| Tax1099 | Tax form e-filing | Many form types in one account | No |
| TaxBandits | Tax form e-filing | Collecting W-9s before filing | No |
| Track1099 | 1099 and W-9 tool | Year-round W-9 and 1099 workflow | Yes |
| Yearli | W-2 and 1099 software | Businesses and accountants filing both | Yes |
Nine 1099 filing tools
1099FIRE
Best for: Payroll bureaus and firms that file in volume and want secure application-to-application transmission to the IRS.
1099Online
Best for: Small businesses and accountants who want to bulk import contractors, validate TINs and have copies printed and mailed.
BoomTax
Best for: Employers who want to drag and drop data from Excel or payroll systems and file 1099s, W-2s and ACA forms together.
eFile360
Best for: Sole owners who want a simple way to file 1099-NEC, MISC and INT forms with mailing and e-delivery options.
efile4Biz
Best for: Businesses that want forms filed with the IRS and copies delivered to recipients from one online account.
Tax1099
Best for: Accountants and businesses filing many form types who want 1099s, W-2s and payroll forms handled in one account.
TaxBandits
Best for: Businesses that want W-9 collection and 1099 e-filing linked in one account, so year-end starts with clean data.
Track1099
Best for: Growing businesses that want W-9 collection and 1099 filing handled year-round, backed by a tax compliance company.
Yearli
Best for: Small businesses and accountants who want one simple program for W-2s and 1099s, starting on a free tier.
The IRS option many small businesses don't know about
Here's something worth checking before you choose a tool. The IRS says its IRIS Taxpayer Portal is a free, web-based filing system that lets you e-file up to 100 returns at a time, and that you need an IRIS Transmitter Control Code to use it.
If you only file a handful of 1099s, the IRS's own portal may be enough. Dedicated 1099 tools earn their place when you want bulk imports, recipient copies and reminders handled for you, or when you file for several businesses.
Small business, accountant or high-volume filer?
Small businesses usually want a simple form-by-form process with print and mail options. Accountants want to manage many clients from one account. High-volume filers, such as payroll providers, want bulk imports and direct transmission to the IRS.
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Pick the group that fits you. Accountants can save hours with client management features, while a small business with a few contractors needs speed and simplicity above all.
A calm 1099 season
- Collect a W-9 from every contractor before you pay them.
- Keep contractor details in one place through the year.
- Check names and tax ID numbers before you file.
- Import or enter payments early in January.
- E-file with the IRS and deliver recipient copies on time.
- Save confirmations and copies for your records.
Features that save time
- Bulk import. Upload contractors and payments from a spreadsheet.
- TIN checks. Catch wrong tax ID numbers before filing.
- Recipient delivery. Mail or email copies automatically.
- Corrections. Fix mistakes after filing without starting again.
State filing
Some states have their own information return requirements. Check whether the tool handles state filing for the states your contractors work in, so you don't have to file twice through different systems.
Keeping records
Keep copies of every filed form, confirmation and W-9 together. If a contractor or the IRS asks a question later, you'll find the answer in minutes rather than digging through old emails.
When contractors won't send a W-9
It's one of the most common year-end headaches. Make the W-9 part of your onboarding, so no contractor work starts until it's on file, and keep a polite reminder template ready. Some tools on this list can request and collect W-9s for you, which saves a lot of chasing in December. If you're still waiting on details close to the deadline, don't guess. Check the IRS instructions for what to do, and ask your accountant if you're unsure.
Do you make 1099 software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on 1099 software
Fix the data before you pick the tool. Most 1099 headaches come from missing W-9s and wrong tax ID numbers, not from the filing itself. Collect details when you first hire a contractor and filing becomes routine.
Try a tool with free start or free account options on your real data before January's rush. If importing your contractors and producing a test form takes minutes, you've found a good fit. For a related setup question, see my guide to the tax benefits and responsibilities of an LLC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best 1099 software?
It depends on how many forms you file. Small businesses need simple filing, while accountants and payroll providers need client management and bulk imports.
Can I file 1099s for free?
The IRS says its IRIS Taxpayer Portal is a free, web-based system for e-filing up to 100 returns at a time. Several tools on this list also describe free starts.
Do I need a code to use the IRS portal?
Yes. The IRS says you need an IRIS Transmitter Control Code to use the IRIS Taxpayer Portal.
Can 1099 software mail copies to contractors?
Many tools offer print and mail or e-delivery of recipient copies. Check each tool's options.
What is a W-9 and why does it matter?
It's the form contractors use to give you their tax details. Collecting it early makes 1099 filing much easier.
Can accountants file 1099s for several clients?
Yes. Several tools on this list support accountants managing filings for many businesses.
