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The IRS 1096 form plays a crucial role in the world of tax reporting, serving as a summary cover sheet for various types of information returns. Businesses and organizations use this form to transmit paper copies of forms like 1099 and W-2 to the IRS. It consolidates essential details such as the total number of forms being submitted and the total amount reported. Completing the 1096 accurately is vital, as it helps ensure that the IRS can efficiently process the information returns. Additionally, the form requires specific information about the filer, including their name, address, and taxpayer identification number. Understanding the requirements and deadlines associated with the 1096 is essential for compliance and to avoid potential penalties. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger organization, knowing how to properly fill out and submit the 1096 form can help streamline your tax reporting process and keep you on the right side of the law.

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Attention filers of Form 1096:

This form is provided for informational purposes only. It appears in red, similar to the official IRS form. The official printed version of this IRS form is scannable, but a copy, printed from this website, is not. Do not print and file a Form 1096 downloaded from this website; a penalty may be imposed for filing with the IRS information return forms that can’t be scanned. See part O in the current General Instructions for Certain Information Returns, available at www.irs.gov/form1099, for more information about penalties.

To order official IRS information returns, which include a scannable Form 1096 for filing with the IRS, visit www.IRS.gov/orderforms. Click on Employer and Information Returns, and we’ll mail you the forms you request and their instructions, as well as any publications you may order.

Information returns may also be filed electronically. To file electronically, you must have software, or a service provider, that will create the file in the proper format. More information can be found at:

IRS Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system (visit www.IRS.gov/FIRE), or

IRS Affordable Care Act Information Returns (AIR) program (visit www.IRS.gov/AIR).

See IRS Publications 1141, 1167, and 1179 for more information about printing these tax forms.

Do Not Staple 6969

Form 1096

 

Annual Summary and Transmittal of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025

 

 

Department of the Treasury

 

 

U.S. Information Returns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FILER’S name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street address (including room or suite number)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Official Use Only

Name of person to contact

 

 

Telephone number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email address

 

 

Fax number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Employer identification number

2 Social security number

 

3 Total number of forms

4 Federal income tax withheld

5 Total amount reported with this Form 1096

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Enter an “X” in only one box below to indicate the type of form being filed.

W-2G 1097-BTC

32 50

1098

81

1098-C

1098-E

1098-F

1098-Q

1098-T

1099-A

78

 

84

 

03

 

74

 

83

 

80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1099-B

1099-C

1099-CAP 1099-DA 1099-DIV

1099-G 1099-INT

1099-K

79

 

85

 

73

 

7A

91

 

86

92

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1099-LS

1099-LTC 1099-MISC 1099-NEC

1099-OID 1099-PATR

1099-Q

1099-QA 1099-R

1099-S

1099-SA 1099-SB

3921

16

 

93

95

71

 

96

97

 

31

 

 

1A

98

 

75

 

94

43

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3922

26

5498

28

5498-ESA 5498-QA

72 2A

5498-SA

27

Return this entire page to the Internal Revenue Service. Photocopies are not acceptable.

Send this form, with the copies of the form checked in box 6, to the IRS in a flat mailer (not folded).

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying documents and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete.

Signature

Title

Date

Instructions

When to file. If any date shown falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal

Future developments. For the latest information about developments

holiday in the District of Columbia or where the return is to be filed, the due

date is the next business day. File Form 1096 in the calendar year following

related to Form 1096, such as legislation enacted after it was published, go

the year for which the information is being reported, as follows.

to www.irs.gov/Form1096.

• With Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, or W-2G, file by February 28.*

Caution: You may be required to electronically file (e-file) information

• With Forms 1099-NEC, file by January 31.

returns as the e-file threshold is 10 (calculated by aggregating all

 

 

information returns), effective for information returns required to be filed on

• With Forms 5498, file by May 31.

 

or after January 1, 2024. Go to www.irs.gov/InfoReturn for e-file options.

* Leap years do not impact the due date. See Announcement 91-179,

Also, see part F in the current General Instructions for Certain Information

1991-49 I.R.B. 78, for more information.

 

Returns.

 

Where To File

 

Purpose of form. Use this form to transmit paper Forms 1097, 1098,

 

1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G to the IRS.

Send all information returns filed on paper with Form 1096 to the following.

Who must file. Any person or entity who files any form checked in box 6

If your principal business, office or

 

above must file Form 1096 to transmit those forms to the IRS.

Use the following

agency, or legal residence in the

Caution: Your name and taxpayer identification number (TIN) (employer

address:

case of an individual, is located in:

identification number (EIN) or social security number (SSN)) must match

 

 

 

 

the name and TIN used on your 94X series tax return(s) or you may be

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware,

 

subject to information return penalties. Do not use the name and/or TIN of

Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine,

Internal Revenue Service

your paying agent or service bureau.

Massachusetts, Mississippi, New

P.O. Box 149213

Enter the filer’s name, address (including room, suite, or other unit

Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico,

Austin, TX 78714-9213

New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas,

number), and TIN in the spaces provided on the form. The name, address,

 

Vermont, Virginia

 

and TIN of the filer on this form must be the same as those you enter in the

 

 

 

upper left area of Form 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, or W-2G.

Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho,

 

 

 

 

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,

Internal Revenue Service Center

 

Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,

 

Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North

P.O. Box 219256

 

Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South

Kansas City, MO 64121-9256

Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee,

Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

For more information and the Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice,

Cat. No. 14400O

Form 1096 (2025) Created 3/20/25

see the current General Instructions for Certain Information Returns.

 

 

Form 1096 (2025)

Page 2

California, Connecticut,

Internal Revenue Service Center

District of Columbia, Louisiana,

1973 North Rulon White Blvd.

Maryland, Pennsylvania,

Ogden, UT 84201

Rhode Island, West Virginia

 

If your legal residence or principal place of business is outside the United States, file with the Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 149213, Austin, TX 78714-9213.

Transmitting to the IRS. Group the forms by form number and transmit each group with a separate Form 1096. For example, if you must file both Forms 1098 and 1099-A, complete one Form 1096 to transmit your Forms 1098 and another Form 1096 to transmit your Forms 1099-A. Do not send a form (1099, 5498, etc.) containing summary (subtotal) information with Form 1096. Summary information for the group of forms being sent is entered only in boxes 3, 4, and 5 of Form 1096.

Corrected returns. Originals and corrections of the same type of return can be submitted using one Form 1096. For information about filing corrections, see the current General Instructions for Certain Information Returns.

Box 1 or 2. Enter your TIN in either box 1 or 2, not both. Sole proprietors and all others must enter their EIN in box 1. Individuals not in a trade or business must enter their SSN in box 2. However, sole proprietors who do not have an EIN must enter their SSN in box 2. Use the same EIN or SSN on Form 1096 that you use on Form 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, or W-2G.

Box 3. Enter the number of forms you are transmitting with this Form 1096. Do not include blank or voided forms or the Form 1096 in your total. Enter the number of correctly completed forms, not the number of pages, being transmitted. For example, if you send one page of three-to-a-page Forms 1098-E with a Form 1096 and you have correctly completed two Forms 1098-E on that page, enter “2” in box 3 of Form 1096.

Box 4. Enter the total federal income tax withheld shown on the forms being transmitted with this Form 1096.

Box 5. No entry is required if you are filing Form 1098-T, 1099-A, or 1099-G. For all other forms in the listing that follows, enter the total of the amounts from the specific boxes identified for each form.

Form W-2G

Box 1

Form 1097-BTC

Box 1

Form 1098

Boxes 1 and 6

Form 1098-C

Box 4c

Form 1098-E

Box 1

Form 1098-F

Box 1

Form 1098-Q

Box 4

Form 1099-B

Boxes 1d and 13

Form 1099-C

Box 2

Form 1099-CAP

Box 2

Form 1099-DA

Box 1f

Form 1099-DIV

Boxes 1a, 2a, 3, 9, 10, and 12

Form 1099-INT

Boxes 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, and 13

Form 1099-K

Box 1a

Form 1099-LS

Box 1

Form 1099-LTC

Boxes 1 and 2

Form 1099-MISC

Boxes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11

Form 1099-NEC

Boxes 1 and 3

Form 1099-OID

Boxes 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8

Form 1099-PATR

Boxes 1, 2, 3, and 5

Form 1099-Q

Box 1

Form 1099-QA

Box 1

Form 1099-R

Box 1

Form 1099-S

Box 2

Form 1099-SA

Box 1

Form 1099-SB

Boxes 1 and 2

Form 3921

Boxes 3 and 4

Form 3922

Boxes 3, 4, and 5

Form 5498

Boxes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12b, 13a, and 14a

Form 5498-ESA

Boxes 1 and 2

Form 5498-QA

Boxes 1 and 2

Form 5498-SA

Box 1

Online fillable forms. Forms 1097-BTC, 1098-C, 1098-MA, 1098-Q, 1099- CAP, 1099-LTC, 1099-Q, 1099-QA, 1099-SA, 3922, 5498-ESA, 5498-QA, and 5498-SA have been converted to online fillable PDFs. For more information, see Online fillable forms in the current General Instructions for Certain Information Returns.

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose The IRS 1096 form serves as a summary transmittal form for information returns filed with the IRS.
Who Files Businesses, organizations, and individuals who are required to submit other forms like 1099 or W-2 must file Form 1096.
Filing Deadline The deadline for submitting Form 1096 is typically the last day of February for paper filings and March 31 for electronic submissions.
Form Types Form 1096 can be used to summarize various forms, including 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, and 1099-DIV.
Paper vs. Electronic Form 1096 is required for paper filings, but not needed if the forms are filed electronically through the IRS FIRE system.
State Requirements Some states have their own transmittal forms; for example, California requires Form 1096 to accompany state 1099 forms.
Signature Requirement Form 1096 does not require a signature, but it must be completed accurately to avoid penalties.
Penalties Failure to file Form 1096 on time can result in penalties, which may vary based on how late the form is filed.
Information Needed When completing Form 1096, you will need details such as the total number of forms being submitted and the total amount reported.
Where to Obtain Form 1096 can be obtained directly from the IRS website or through tax preparation software.

IRS 1096: Usage Guidelines

After you complete the IRS 1096 form, you will need to submit it along with your other tax forms to the IRS. Ensure that all information is accurate to avoid delays in processing.

  1. Gather all necessary information, including the total number of forms you are submitting and the total amount reported on those forms.
  2. Obtain a copy of the IRS 1096 form. You can find it on the IRS website or through tax preparation software.
  3. In the top left corner, enter your name and address. This should be the information of the person or business filing the form.
  4. In the top right corner, fill in your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) as applicable.
  5. In the section labeled "Filer's Name," write the name of the person or business that is filing the form.
  6. In the "Total number of forms" box, input the total number of forms you are submitting with the 1096.
  7. In the "Total amount" box, enter the total dollar amount reported on all the forms you are submitting.
  8. In the "Type of Return" section, check the box that corresponds to the type of form you are submitting (e.g., 1099, 1098, etc.).
  9. Sign and date the form at the bottom. This must be done by the person filing the form or an authorized representative.
  10. Make a copy of the completed form for your records before submitting it.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the IRS 1096 form?

The IRS 1096 form is a summary form used to transmit paper forms 1099, 1098, 5498, or W-2G to the Internal Revenue Service. It serves as a cover sheet that provides the IRS with information about the types and quantities of forms being submitted. This form is essential for reporting various types of income and for ensuring that the IRS has a record of the payments made to individuals and entities throughout the year.

Who needs to file the IRS 1096 form?

Any individual or business that files paper forms 1099, 1098, 5498, or W-2G must submit a 1096 form. If you are reporting payments made to independent contractors, interest payments, or certain other types of income, you will likely need to file this form. It is important to note that if you are filing these forms electronically, you do not need to submit a 1096.

When is the IRS 1096 form due?

The due date for filing the IRS 1096 form is typically the same as the due date for the forms it summarizes. For most forms, this is January 31 of the year following the tax year being reported. However, if you are submitting forms 1099-MISC that report non-employee compensation, the due date is also January 31. Always check the IRS guidelines for the specific deadlines applicable to your situation.

How do I complete the IRS 1096 form?

To complete the IRS 1096 form, you will need to provide specific information, including your name, address, and taxpayer identification number. You will also indicate the total number of forms being submitted and the total dollar amount reported. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches the data on the accompanying 1099, 1098, or W-2G forms. After filling out the form, sign and date it before submitting it to the IRS along with the other forms.

Common mistakes

  1. Not using the correct form version. Ensure you are using the latest version of the IRS 1096 form.

  2. Incorrectly entering the payer’s information. Verify that the name, address, and taxpayer identification number are accurate.

  3. Forgetting to sign the form. A signature is required to validate the submission.

  4. Failing to include all necessary forms. Attach all relevant 1099 forms when submitting the 1096.

  5. Using incorrect totals for the number of forms. Double-check the total number of 1099 forms submitted.

  6. Neglecting to check for errors. Review the form for any typos or mistakes before submission.

  7. Not filing by the deadline. Be aware of the submission deadlines to avoid penalties.

  8. Failing to keep a copy for records. Always retain a copy of the submitted form for your records.

  9. Ignoring the instructions. Carefully read the instructions provided by the IRS for completing the form.

Documents used along the form

The IRS 1096 form serves as a summary of information returns filed with the IRS. It is typically submitted alongside various other forms that provide detailed information about income, taxes withheld, and other financial data. Below is a list of commonly used forms that accompany the IRS 1096 form, each serving a specific purpose in the reporting process.

  • IRS 1099-MISC: This form is used to report miscellaneous income, such as payments made to independent contractors or rent paid to landlords. It details the amount paid to each recipient during the tax year.
  • IRS 1099-NEC: This form specifically reports non-employee compensation. It is primarily used for reporting payments made to independent contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees for services rendered.
  • IRS 1099-INT: This form is utilized to report interest income earned by individuals or businesses. Financial institutions typically issue this form to account holders who earn interest above a certain threshold.
  • IRS 1099-DIV: This form reports dividends and distributions received by shareholders. Companies that pay dividends to their investors use this form to inform the IRS and the shareholders of the amounts distributed.
  • IRS 1099-R: This form is used to report distributions from retirement accounts, pensions, and annuities. It provides information about the amount distributed and any taxes withheld from the distribution.
  • IRS W-2: While not a 1099 form, the W-2 is crucial for reporting wages paid to employees. Employers must provide this form to employees and the IRS to report annual earnings and tax withholdings.

Understanding these forms is essential for accurate tax reporting and compliance. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that income is reported correctly and that taxpayers fulfill their obligations to the IRS. Properly completing and submitting these forms can help prevent issues with tax filings and ensure that all parties involved are informed about their financial responsibilities.

Similar forms

The IRS Form 1096 is a summary form that accompanies various information returns submitted to the Internal Revenue Service. Below are four documents that are similar to Form 1096, along with explanations of how they relate to it.

  • Form 1099: This form is used to report various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. Like Form 1096, it requires a summary submission to the IRS, and it is often submitted in conjunction with Form 1096 to report non-employee compensation or other income types.
  • Form W-2: Employers use this form to report wages, tips, and other compensation paid to employees. Similar to Form 1096, Form W-2 must be submitted to the IRS along with a summary form, which in this case is the W-3 form, serving a similar purpose of summarizing employee income.
  • Form 1042-S: This form is used to report income paid to foreign persons and the taxes withheld on that income. Like Form 1096, it also requires a summary submission, which is done using Form 1042-T, similar to how Form 1096 summarizes multiple 1099 forms.
  • Form 5498: This form is used to report contributions to individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Although it serves a different purpose, it is similar to Form 1096 in that it is also accompanied by a summary form (Form 5498-ESA) when reporting to the IRS, highlighting the need for a comprehensive overview of reported information.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS 1096 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are some dos and don'ts to consider:

  • Do ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
  • Do use the correct version of the form for the tax year you are reporting.
  • Do sign and date the form before submitting it.
  • Don't forget to check for any required attachments that need to accompany the form.
  • Don't submit the form without verifying that all numbers are correctly entered.
  • Don't use pencil or erasable ink; use black or blue ink for clarity.

Following these guidelines can help avoid delays and ensure that your submission is processed smoothly.

Misconceptions

The IRS Form 1096 is often misunderstood, leading to confusion among taxpayers and businesses alike. Here are eight common misconceptions about this important form:

  1. Form 1096 is a tax return. Many people think that Form 1096 is a tax return, but it is actually a summary form that accompanies certain information returns, such as Forms 1099. It is used to transmit these forms to the IRS.

  2. Only businesses need to file Form 1096. While businesses frequently use this form, individuals who make certain payments, like freelance payments, may also need to file it when submitting Forms 1099.

  3. Form 1096 is only for reporting income. Some believe this form is solely for income reporting. However, it is also used to report various types of payments, such as dividends and interest.

  4. You can file Form 1096 electronically. A common misconception is that Form 1096 can be filed electronically. In reality, it must be submitted in paper form, even if the accompanying information returns are filed electronically.

  5. Form 1096 is not necessary if you file only one Form 1099. Some individuals think that if they are filing just one Form 1099, they can skip Form 1096. This is incorrect; Form 1096 is required whenever you submit any Forms 1099.

  6. There is no deadline for Form 1096. Many assume there are no specific deadlines for this form. However, it must be filed by the same deadline as the information returns it summarizes, typically by the end of February for paper submissions.

  7. Form 1096 only applies to U.S. citizens. Some people believe that only U.S. citizens need to file this form. In fact, any entity making reportable payments, including non-resident aliens in certain situations, may have obligations related to Form 1096.

  8. Form 1096 is optional. There is a misconception that filing Form 1096 is optional. It is, in fact, mandatory when submitting the required information returns, and failing to file it can result in penalties.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure compliance with IRS regulations and avoid potential penalties. It is always wise to consult with a tax professional if there are uncertainties regarding filing requirements.

Key takeaways

The IRS 1096 form serves as a summary cover sheet for various information returns, such as 1099s and W-2s, that are submitted to the IRS. Here are some key takeaways regarding its use:

  • Purpose of the Form: The 1096 form is used to transmit paper forms to the IRS. It summarizes the information being reported and ensures that the IRS can match the forms to the correct taxpayer records.
  • Filing Requirements: If you are submitting paper forms, you must file a 1096 for each type of information return. This includes forms like 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, and W-2.
  • Deadline: The 1096 form must be submitted along with the information returns by the due date for those forms. Generally, this means it is due by the end of February if filing by paper.
  • Accuracy is Crucial: Ensure all information is accurate. Incorrect or missing details on the 1096 can lead to delays or penalties. Double-check names, taxpayer identification numbers, and totals before submission.