When tax time rears its extremely ugly head, your days may be filled with sorting and sifting through piles of receipts and forms. If you're an independent contractor or sole proprietor, your income is reported on Form 1099, which you should receive from any companies or individuals for which you performed work. You should receive your 1099 forms no later than Jan. 31 of the year after you completed work totaling $600 or more. An incorrect 1099 form may seem like a big hassle, but they are easily corrected. It's important to file a correct 1099 because the IRS receives a copy and compares it with your tax return.
Step 1
Contact the company or individual that issued the 1099 form. Explain that your records are inconsistent with the income figure reported to the Internal Revenue Service.
Step 2
Watch your mail for a revised Form 1099 that is marked "Corrected." Attach this form to your income tax return.
Step 3
If you do not receive the correct 1099 form, enter the correct amount of income received, and attach a note explaining the discrepancy, according to the IRS.
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Writer Bio
Elle Smith has been an advertising professional for more than 25 years. Her work for ABC, CBS and Sony Pictures Television has appeared on radio, on air, in print and outdoors. In addition, Smith has more than 20 years experience in marketing, graphic arts, commercial photography and print production, and is a licensed real estate agent with property management certification in California.