Getting a Copy of Your 1099 Form From Your Employer or Payer

Where to request your 1099 from the person who issued it

The person or business that paid you — your employer, client, or the platform you worked through — is responsible for sending you a 1099. Start by contacting them directly. This is almost always faster than waiting for a replacement from the IRS.

Call the accounting or payroll department and give them your full name, the year you need the form for, and your Social Security number or Tax ID. They will either email you a copy, mail it, or direct you to an online portal where you can read it yourself. Many larger employers and payment processors (like PayPal, Stripe, or DoorDash) let you log into your account and retrieve past 1099s without calling anyone.

If the payer says they already sent it and you never received it, ask them to resend it to your current address or email. Keep a record of when you asked and who you spoke with — this matters if the IRS later questions why you filed without the form.

Key Takeaways

Contact the business or person who paid you first — they can usually send or email a copy within days, much faster than the IRS can.
Have your full name, Social Security number, and the tax year ready before you call or log in to request the form.
If a payer says they sent it but you never got it, ask them to resend it and document the date you made the request.
If you cannot reach the payer or they refuse to send one, you can request a transcript from the IRS that shows the income they reported in your name.
Do not file your tax return without the 1099 if you received one — the IRS will receive a copy and will notice the mismatch.

Checking your online account with the payer

Most payment processors and larger employers now post 1099s in a find online portal. Log into your account on their website or app and look for a section labeled "Tax Documents," "1099s," "Year-End Statements," or "Tax Center." You may be able to read a PDF directly or request that it be emailed to you.

If you cannot find the portal or do not remember your login, use the "Forgot Password" option on their site. Some platforms require you to verify your identity with a phone number or email before they show you tax documents. This process usually takes a few minutes.

read and save the file to your computer. Print a copy for your records and keep the digital file in a folder labeled with the tax year. You will need this when you file your return.

What to do if the payer will not send you a form

If you have contacted the payer multiple times and they refuse to send a 1099, or if the business has closed and you cannot reach them, you have two options: file your return without the form and include a written explanation, or request a wage and income transcript from the IRS.

A wage and income transcript shows what income the IRS has on record that was reported in your name. You can order one free from the IRS website at irs.gov, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, or by mail using Form 4506-C. The transcript usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days if you order online or by phone, or within 2 to 3 weeks by mail.

The transcript will show the income amount and the payer's name and ID number. You can use this to file your return accurately. However, if the payer reported the income to the IRS but you did not report it on your return, the IRS will eventually send you a notice asking why the amounts do not match. Having the transcript on file protects you by showing you made a good-faith effort to report the income correctly.

Requesting a replacement 1099 directly from the IRS

The IRS does not issue 1099 forms — only the payer can do that. However, if you believe the payer made an error on the form (wrong amount, wrong name, wrong tax ID), you can contact the IRS to report it. The IRS will then contact the payer and ask them to issue a corrected form, called a 1099-X.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain the error. Have the original 1099 in front of you and be ready to describe what is wrong. The IRS will create a case and may contact the payer on your behalf. This process can take several weeks.

Alternatively, if you received a 1099 with errors, you can contact the payer directly and ask them to issue a corrected 1099-X. This is usually faster than going through the IRS. The payer must send you the corrected form and also send a copy to the IRS.

Timing: when 1099s are mailed and when you need them

Payers must send 1099 forms to you by January 31 of the year following the tax year. For example, a 1099 for income you earned in 2024 must reach you by January 31, 2025. The IRS receives their copy by the same date.

You do not have to wait for the physical form to arrive before you file your return. If you know the income amount (from your own records or from an online account), you can file using that information. However, if the payer reported a different amount to the IRS, you will need to explain the difference or file an amended return later.

If you have not received a 1099 by mid-February, contact the payer when ready. If they confirm they sent it, ask them to resend it or provide a duplicate. If they say they have not sent it yet, follow up again in early March.

What information you need before you request a 1099

Before you call or log in, gather these details to speed up the process:

Your full legal name as it appears on your Social Security card or Tax ID
Your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The tax year you need the form for (for example, 2024)
The name of the business or person who paid you
Approximate amount of income (if you remember it)

If you are requesting a form for a business you worked for years ago, you may also need the business's phone number or address. If you worked under a different name or Social Security number in the past, mention that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my tax return before I receive my 1099?

You can file before the form arrives if you know the income amount from your own records. However, if the payer reported a different amount to the IRS, you will receive a notice later asking you to explain the difference. It is safer to wait for the form or request a transcript from the IRS first.

What if I lost my 1099 after I already received it?

Contact the payer and ask for a duplicate. They are required to provide one. You can also request a wage and income transcript from the IRS, which shows the same income information without being the original form.

Do I need to provide my 1099 to the IRS when I file?

No. You do not mail the 1099 to the IRS. You report the income amount from the form on your tax return. The IRS already has a copy of the 1099 that the payer sent them, so they will match it against what you reported.

What if the 1099 shows the wrong amount or the wrong payer name?

Contact the payer when ready and ask them to issue a corrected 1099-X. They must send you the corrected form and also notify the IRS. Do not ignore the error — if you file with the wrong amount, you may owe additional tax or face penalties later.

How long does it take to get a replacement 1099?

If you contact the payer directly, most can email or mail a duplicate within 3 to 5 business days. If you request a transcript from the IRS, it takes 5 to 10 days online or by phone, or 2 to 3 weeks by mail.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.