IRS Form 1099-MISC

Form 1099-MISC: Miscellaneous Information

A plain-English guide to IRS Form 1099-MISC — what it's for, who files it, when it's due, and how to complete it.

Form number1099-MISC
Official nameMiscellaneous Information
CategoryInformation return
Typically dueJanuary 31 / February 28
Official IRS Form 1099-MISC (PDF)

What is Form 1099-MISC?

Form 1099-MISC reports miscellaneous payments like rent, royalties, prizes and other income that isn't wages or contractor pay (which now goes on the 1099-NEC).

After contractor pay moved to the 1099-NEC, the MISC became the catch-all for rent, royalties, prizes, awards, and certain other payments. The box matters: rent sits in Box 1, royalties in Box 2, other income in Box 3, and each flows to a different part of your return.

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Who files it

Businesses that paid $600+ in rents, prizes or certain other income, or $10+ in royalties, during the year.

When it's due

Form 1099-MISC is generally due January 31 / February 28. Deadlines can move for weekends and holidays, so confirm the exact date for the current year on IRS.gov.

Key lines and parts

Here's what you'll actually fill in on Form 1099-MISC:

  • Box 1 — rents
  • Box 2 — royalties
  • Box 3 — other income
  • Box 4 — federal tax withheld

How to file

Payers issue copies to recipients and file with the IRS. Recipients report the income on the appropriate part of their return.

Common mistakes & penalties

People assume a prize or settlement reported here is somehow tax-free — it usually isn't, and nothing was withheld. Read which box is filled in, because reporting royalty income as rent (or vice versa) is a common mismatch the IRS catches.
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Frequently asked questions

What is IRS Form 1099-MISC?

Form 1099-MISC reports miscellaneous payments like rent, royalties, prizes and other income that isn't wages or contractor pay (which now goes on the 1099-NEC).

Who has to file Form 1099-MISC?

Businesses that paid $600+ in rents, prizes or certain other income, or $10+ in royalties, during the year.

When is Form 1099-MISC due?

Form 1099-MISC is generally due January 31 / February 28. Always confirm the current year's date on IRS.gov, since deadlines shift for weekends and holidays.

What's the most common mistake with Form 1099-MISC?

People assume a prize or settlement reported here is somehow tax-free — it usually isn't, and nothing was withheld. Read which box is filled in, because reporting royalty income as rent (or vice versa) is a common mismatch the IRS catches.