Everything You Need to Know About Form 1096

What is Form 1096?
Form 1096 is a transmittal form sent to the IRS to accompany paper-filed information returns. It summarizes the number of forms filed and the total amounts reported.

Who Should File Form 1096?

• Businesses filing paper copies of 1099, 1098, 5498, or W-2G forms.
• Employers or institutions not filing electronically.
• Organizations with fewer than 250 information returns (above that, e-filing is required).

When to File Form 1096?
Form 1096 is due by February 28 each year (March 31 if filing electronically, but e-filing does not require Form 1096). It must be submitted along with the paper information returns to the IRS.

Key Information Required

• Filer’s name, address, and EIN/SSN.
• Total number of forms submitted.
• Total federal income tax withheld (if any).
• Control number and contact information.

Why is Form 1096 Important?

• Serves as the official summary when submitting paper information returns.
• Ensures proper processing of 1099s, 1098s, and other forms.
• Required for businesses not filing electronically.

How to File Form 1096

• Fill out the form with totals and filer details.
• Attach to the batch of paper information returns.
• Mail to the appropriate IRS address listed in the instructions.
• Keep a copy for records.

Processing Time
Paper-filed forms may take several weeks to process depending on IRS workload.