Running a business as an S Corporation (S Corp) provides owners with significant tax advantages, but it also comes with specific reporting responsibilities. One topic that often confuses business owners is whether S Corps receive or need to issue Form 1099. Understanding this is critical because misreporting can lead to penalties, audits, and unnecessary stress.

Many small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs assume that S Corps either never deal with 1099 forms or that they must file one for every transaction to be safe. Both approaches can create problems. This guide will clarify the rules surrounding S Corps and 1099 forms, highlight exceptions, and provide actionable steps for proper compliance. By the end, you’ll understand when a 1099 is required, how to file it correctly, and how GTA Accounting Group can help streamline your S Corp tax and accounting needs.

What Is an S Corporation?

An S Corporation, often called an S Corp, is a type of business entity that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax advantages of a partnership. Unlike traditional C Corporations, S Corps allow profits, losses, deductions, and credits to pass through directly to the shareholders. This means that business income is taxed at the individual shareholder level rather than at the corporate level, avoiding double taxation.

S Corps are popular among small businesses, startups, and professional service providers because they protect personal assets while offering potential tax savings. To qualify as an S Corp, a company must meet IRS requirements:

• Be a domestic corporation
  
• Have only allowable shareholders (individuals, certain trusts, and estates)
  
• Have no more than 100 shareholders
  
• Issue only one class of stock
  

Understanding what an S Corp is lays the foundation for determining how 1099 rules apply. For instance, knowing that S Corps are technically corporations explains why many payments made to them are exempt from 1099 reporting.

Understanding 1099 Forms

Form 1099 is an IRS information return used to report income outside of wages, salaries, and tips. The most common forms related to businesses are:

• 1099-NEC: Reports non-employee compensation, such as payments to independent contractors.
  
• 1099-MISC: Covers miscellaneous income like rent, prizes, or legal settlements.
  
• 1099-K: Used for payments processed through credit cards or third-party networks.
  

Businesses are required to issue these forms to track income that might otherwise go unreported. Common payments that trigger a 1099 include:

• Payments to independent contractors or freelancers
  
• Rent or lease payments
  
• Prizes, awards, and settlements
  
• Certain medical or legal payments
  

Properly issuing 1099 forms ensures tax compliance, prevents penalties, and maintains accurate financial records. Misreporting or neglecting to file can result in fines and IRS scrutiny.

Do S Corps Receive 1099s?

A common question is: “Do S Corps get 1099s?”

The short answer: usually no. Corporations, including S Corps, are generally exempt from receiving 1099 forms for most payments, such as:

• Payments for services
  
• Rent
  
• Prizes or awards
  

This exemption exists because the IRS already collects income information from corporations through annual filings like Form 1120-S. Issuing additional 1099s for most payments would be redundant.

However, there are exceptions where S Corps must receive a 1099, which we cover in detail below.

Exceptions: When S Corps Must Get a 1099

Even though S Corps are mostly exempt, specific payments require reporting:

1. Legal Services: Payments of $600 or more to attorneys, including incorporated law firms, must be reported using 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. Examples include:
   
   • Retainer fees
     
   • Settlement payments
     
   • General counsel services
     
2. Medical and Healthcare Payments: Payments of $600 or more to medical providers must be reported on 1099-MISC. This includes:
   
   • Dentists
     
   • Therapists
     
   • Telehealth providers
     
3. Tax Reporting and Accounting Services: Occasionally, payments for tax, bookkeeping, or accounting services require reporting, though less common.
   
4. Form 1099-K Payments: For businesses receiving payments through credit cards or platforms like PayPal, a 1099-K may be issued when thresholds are met (typically $600+ starting in 2026).
   

Understanding these exceptions helps business owners avoid underreporting and penalties.

How to File 1099 for an S Corp

If your S Corp must receive a 1099, proper filing is crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Identify Payment Type: Determine if the payment qualifies for reporting.
   
2. Collect W-9: Obtain the legal business name and Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the S Corp.
   
3. Choose the Correct Form: Use 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC depending on the payment type.
   
4. File with IRS and Recipient: Submit copies by the required deadlines (usually January 31 for recipients).
   

Using professional accounting services, like GTA Accounting Group, ensures accuracy and timely filing. It also helps with tracking exceptions and managing multiple vendors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced business owners make 1099 errors. Common mistakes include:

• Late Filing: Missing deadlines can trigger penalties.
  
• Wrong Recipient Type: Treating a corporation as an individual or vice versa.
  
• Incorrect Amounts: Reporting wrong totals or missing necessary details.
  
• Ignoring Exceptions: Failing to issue a 1099 for legal, medical, or 1099-K payments.
  

Implementing a year-round tracking system and using professional accounting services can prevent these errors and save money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know if my S Corp needs to issue a 1099 to a vendor?
A1: Check the type of payment and the vendor’s entity status using Form W-9. If the payment falls under IRS exceptions (legal, medical, or certain accounting services) and exceeds $600, a 1099 must be issued.

Q2: Can S Corps use accounting software to manage 1099s?
A2: Yes, modern accounting software can track payments, store W-9s, and automate 1099 filing, making compliance easier and reducing errors.

Q3: Are there penalties if an S Corp mistakenly issues a 1099 to another corporation?
A3: There’s usually no IRS penalty for issuing a 1099 unnecessarily, but it may cause confusion for the recipient and extra administrative work.

Q4: How early should I collect W-9s from vendors?
A4: Always collect W-9s before making any payments. This ensures you know the vendor’s entity type and avoids filing errors at year-end.

Q5: Do S Corps have to issue 1099-K for payment processors?
A5: Only if your business receives payments through credit cards or third-party platforms and the reporting thresholds are met. Always check the latest IRS guidance for 1099-K filing.

Get Expert S Corp Accounting with GTA Accounting Group

Managing 1099s and S Corp tax compliance can be complex. GTA Accounting Group provides professional S Corp accounting services, including:

• S Corp Tax Filing
  
• Business Tax Preparation
  
• Accounting Services for S Corps

Our team ensures accurate reporting, full compliance with IRS rules, and reduces the risk of penalties. Contact GTA Accounting Group today for expert S Corp tax and accounting support.