Form 1099-MISC reports miscellaneous income other than nonemployee compensation — including rent, royalties, prizes, and certain medical payments. Since 2020, contractor payments go on the 1099-NEC instead.
- Box 1 reports rent ($600+ threshold)
- Box 2 reports royalties ($10+ threshold)
- Later deadline than 1099-NEC (Feb 28 paper / Mar 31 e-file)
What Is Form 1099-MISC?
Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information) is an IRS information return used to report various types of income that do not fit on other, more specific 1099 forms. Before 2020, it also reported nonemployee compensation in Box 7, but that function moved to the 1099-NEC.
Today, the 1099-MISC is primarily used for reporting rental income, royalties, prizes and awards, medical and health care payments, and payments to attorneys (when not for services).
When to Use 1099-MISC
File a 1099-MISC when you make the following types of payments during the tax year:
If you are paying someone for services (freelancers, consultants, subcontractors), use the 1099-NEC, not the 1099-MISC. Using the wrong form can trigger IRS notices.
Key Boxes on Form 1099-MISC
| Box | Payment Type | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Box 1 | Rents | $600 |
| Box 2 | Royalties | $10 |
| Box 3 | Other income | $600 |
| Box 4 | Federal income tax withheld | Any amount |
| Box 5 | Fishing boat proceeds | Any amount |
| Box 6 | Medical and health care payments | $600 |
| Box 8 | Substitute payments in lieu of dividends | $10 |
| Box 10 | Crop insurance proceeds | $600 |
| Box 13 | Section 409A deferrals | Any amount |
| Box 14 | Gross proceeds to an attorney | $600 |
1099-MISC vs 1099-NEC
| Factor | 1099-MISC | 1099-NEC |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Miscellaneous income | Nonemployee compensation |
| Common Uses | Rent, royalties, prizes | Freelancer and contractor payments |
| IRS Filing Deadline | Feb 28 (paper) / Mar 31 (e-file) | January 31 (no extension) |
| Recipient Deadline | January 31 | January 31 |
| Extension | Available via Form 8809 | Not available |
Filing Requirements and Deadlines
| Deadline | Action |
|---|---|
| January 31 | Furnish recipient copies (all boxes) |
| February 28 | File with IRS on paper |
| March 31 | File with IRS electronically |
Electronic filing is required if you have 10 or more total information returns (combining all types: W-2, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, etc.). Use the IRS IRIS portal for free electronic filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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