Managing 1099s can feel overwhelming, especially since they’re due January 31st. Before you can even shake off your New Year’s Eve glitter, it’s time to start filling out forms and doing tax stuff. I’ll walk you through the best 1099 software for small business operations, which should include e-filing capabilities, state filing support, TIN matching, deadline tracking, and secure recipient delivery options.
- Zoho Books: Best for businesses using Zoho for accounting
- Bookkeeper360: Best for outsourced 1099 filings with bookkeeping assistance
- Tax1099: Best for small businesses needing 1099s and no additional services
- Avalara (formerly Track1099): Best for uncommon 1099 variants
- QuickBooks Online: Best for businesses using QuickBooks for accounting
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Quick comparison of the best 1099 software for small businesses
Pricing | State filing support | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$0 to $275/month | Via Tax1099 integration | Via Tax1099 integration | ✕ | |
From $49.99/month +$125/hour | ✓ | Via third-party integration | ✕ | |
$0.37 per request | ✓ | ✕ | ||
$0.63 to $3.10/form | $0.45 per request | ✓ | ✕ | |
From $15/month for contractor payments | ✕ | Via Tax1099 integration | ✕ | |
Zoho Books: Best for businesses using Zoho for accounting
Pros
- Has integrated vendor tracking; mark vendors as 1099 eligible and categorize payments accordingly
- Compiles 1099-related data throughout the year for tax reports
- Is great for existing Zoho users; can easily integrate with other Zoho platforms
Pricing |
|
Free trial | 14 days (Premium plan) |
Role-based access controls | ✓ |
Corrections and amendments | ✓ |
E-delivery consent training | ✕ |
Support for 1099 variants (e.g., 1099-LTC/1099-CAP) | Form 1099-NEC and Form 1099-MISC only |
I recommend Zoho Books for 1099 reporting because it’s easy to mark vendors as 1099-eligible, and its interface is user-friendly with helpful automation. If your business is using other Zoho tools, such as Zoho CRM and Zoho Payroll, integration adds efficiency. Its role-based access controls also make managing sensitive data secure and straightforward.
The downside is that Zoho Books doesn’t directly support e-filing, corrections, or less common 1099 variants like 1099-LTC or 1099-CAP. It also lacks built-in tools for managing e-delivery consent. For full 1099 filing capabilities, including IRS/state e-file and amendments, I recommend integrating Zoho Books with Tax1099, which fills these gaps.
Standout features and use cases
- E-commerce businesses: Tracks payments to third-party sellers, dropshippers, and freelancers, ensuring accurate 1099 reporting and reducing the risk of IRS penalties or missed filing obligations.
- Freelance agencies: Monitors payments to contractors and automates 1099-NEC reporting, reducing manual work and ensuring timely tax filing.
- Real estate firms: Tracks commission payments to agents throughout the year, making it easy to generate accurate 1099 forms at year-end.
- Marketing consultants: Categorizes vendor expenses for services like design, copywriting, or SEO, ensuring clean 1099-MISC documentation and better expense tracking.
Bookkeeper360: Best for outsourced 1099 filings with bookkeeping assistance
Pros
- Is an all-in-one solution for bookkeeping, payroll, and tax compliance
- Provides a dedicated bookkeeper for accuracy and timely submissions
- Supports broader tax filings and strategic financial consulting
Cons
- Is more expensive than standalone 1099 filing tools like Tax1099 or Avalara, especially for smaller businesses or one-time filers
- Lacks self-service; must work with a specialist, which may slow down the process
- Has no white-label portals or branded client communications
Pricing |
|
Free trial | ✕ |
Role-based access controls | ✓ |
Corrections and amendments | ✓ |
E-delivery consent training | Contact Bookkeeper360 for more information. |
Support for 1099 variants (e.g., 1099-LTC/1099-CAP) | Contact Bookkeeper360 for more information. |
Bookkeeper360 offers personalized bookkeeping services with a dedicated accountant, and this hands-on support made it easy for me to stay compliant without diving into the details myself. The clear pricing for business tax filings adds to the convenience. If you’re seeking expert-led service, Bookkeeper360 is a strong choice for outsourced 1099 filings with bookkeeping assistance.
However, it falls short in transparency on its 1099 compliance features. It’s unclear whether it supports corrections, e-delivery consent tracking, or varying 1099 form types. Since a dedicated accountant handles filings, you won’t get visibility into those tools. For more control and clarity, Avalara is the better choice. It supports all 1099 variants and compliance tasks with detailed, user-friendly features.
Standout features and use cases
- Construction companies: Tracks project-based payments throughout the year, simplifying 1099-NEC filings; its dedicated accountants ensure proper classification of labor costs, making it more accurate than self-service platforms.
- Healthcare practices: Ensures that vendors — such as private clinics and medical offices that often pay freelance specialists and outsourced firms — are properly flagged for 1099s while managing complex expense categories.
- Nonprofits: Has a team that helps navigate nonprofit-specific account rules.
Tax1099: Best for small businesses needing 1099s and no additional services
Pros
- Supports over 40 IRS payroll and contractor forms, including 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, W-2, and 1095
- Includes tools like real-time TIN matching and bulk uploads
- Features Zenwork AI Tax Assist, which offers 24/7 guidance through an interactive chat interface
Cons
- Has "modern" and "classic" views that can be confusing for new users and may come with a learning curve
- Has occasional issues with data synchronization
- May be difficult to reach customer support during peak busy times
Pricing |
|
Free trial | ✕ |
Role-based access controls | ✓ |
Corrections and amendments | ✓ |
E-delivery consent training | ✓ |
Support for 1099 variants (e.g., 1099-LTC/1099-CAP) | ✓ |
I recommend Tax1099 if your business needs 1099s and no additional services. It offers flexible, affordable filing with strong compliance tools like TIN matching, e-delivery consent tracking, and corrections handling. It supports a wide range of 1099 variants and integrates smoothly with platforms like QuickBooks and Xero.
Where it falls short is in its dated user interface and initial learning curve. It also lacks white-label branding, which is a drawback for accountants managing client-facing portals. Avalara is a strong alternative for a smoother user interface.
Standout features and use cases
- Professional services firms (e.g., architects, engineers): Offers real-time TIN matching and corrections tools, which are more robust and responsive than the features in basic filing software; those are great for firms working with subcontractors for design, drafting, or technical consulting.
- Event management companies: Features bulk-import and API features that beat manual-entry tools by offering scale and speed for busy teams prepping hundreds of forms used for independent vendors like photographers, caterers, AV technicians, and other specialty experts.
- Hospitality groups (hotels, restaurants, venues): Provides multi-user, role-based access, optimal for multi-location businesses paying entertainers, maintenance crews, and seasonal workers.
Avalara: Best for uncommon 1099 variants
Pros
- Handles CF/SF Combined Federal/State Filing and direct state filings for states that require them to be filed separately
- Has a wide variety of 1099 forms beyond 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC, such as 1099-B, 1099-INT, 1099-Q, and 1099-LTC
- Provides API access and integrations with platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books
Cons
- Has an interface that feels dated and unintuitive for first-time users, especially when managing bulk uploads or navigating corrections
- Charges extra for features like TIN matching, state filings, and USPS mailing; costs can increase rapidly for those managing large 1099 volumes
- Has real-time and phone support that may be lacking during busy seasons
Pricing |
|
Free trial | 7 days |
Role-based access controls | ✓ |
Corrections and amendments | ✓ |
E-delivery consent training | ✓ |
Support for 1099 variants (e.g., 1099-LTC/1099-CAP) | ✓ |
Avalara’s Track1099 platform offers a reliable, feature-rich solution for 1099 filing. It supports real-time TIN matching, state filings, e-delivery with consent tracking, and a wide range of form types — including 1099-LTC and 1099-CAP.
However, it lacks white-label branding, which limits its appeal for firms wanting a branded client experience. Its interface can also feel dated and less intuitive for new users. In these areas, Tax1099 excels, offering branding customization and a more user-friendly design.
Standout features and use cases
- Businesses with frequent vendor changes: Offers comprehensive W-9 management tools, enabling you to collect, store, and manage vendor information securely; can also automatically transfer vendor details from W-9 forms to 1099 filings, minimizing manual data entry and ensuring accuracy.
- Organizations requiring year-over-year data retention: Retains and transfers data from previous years, facilitating easy updates and reducing the need to re-enter information annually; this feature is particularly beneficial for organizations with recurring vendors or contractors.
- Enterprises with high volume filing needs: Can handle large volumes of 1099 filings efficiently; ability to import data via CSV, API, or integrations with common accounting systems like QuickBooks and Xero, which streamlines the filing process for enterprises dealing with numerous contractors or vendors.
- Businesses requiring secure and compliant e-delivery: Ensures IRS-compliant e-delivery by obtaining recipient consent before electronic delivery and automatically resending corrected forms when necessary; this enhances security and compliance, reducing the risk of penalties.
QuickBooks Online: Best for businesses using QuickBooks for accounting
Pros
- Allows you to mark vendors as 1099-eligible and track payments to them throughout the year
- Integrates directly with e-filing partners like Tax1099, allowing for a streamlined filing experience without exporting data manually
- Lets you generate 1099 Summary and Detail reports to preview who meets the filing threshold and catch missing TINs
Cons
- Has no built-in IRS TIN matching service
- Lacks customizable templates for 1099 forms or vendor letters
- Lets you manage 1099s across multiple entities or clients, but things can get clunky since there is a one-business-per-account structure
Features
Pricing |
|
Free trial | 30 days — or get 90% off for three months (Fit Small Business exclusive offer; valid through June 30, 2025) |
Role-based access controls | ✓ |
Corrections and amendments | ✓ |
E-delivery consent training | ✓ |
Support for 1099 variants (e.g., 1099-LTC/1099-CAP) | ✕ |
QuickBooks Online simplifies 1099 prep by tracking vendor payments and flagging eligible contractors automatically. Its built-in reports and integration with e-filing partners like Tax1099 make filing easy. The platform is cloud-based, is collaborative, and includes consent tracking and corrections, which makes it a convenient all-in-one solution for small to midsize businesses, particularly those already using QuickBooks.
However, it lacks support for lesser-used 1099 forms like 1099-LTC or 1099-CAP and requires third-party tools for e-filing. I recommend looking into Tax1099 and Avalara for broader form support, built-in TIN matching, and better customization for professional use.
Standout features and use cases
- Freelancers managing subcontractors: Offers an easy, affordable setup without needing separate tools; also, it integrates contractor payments with bookkeeping, unlike more complex 1099-specific platforms.
- Companies with recurring vendor payments: Automatically tracks and categorizes recurring payments to freelancers or vendors.
- In-house accounting teams preparing for filing season: Supports internal teams that prepare data ahead of filing with built-in reports (1099 Summary/Detail) and role-based access; in comparison, competing platforms often lack collaboration tools or require exporting/importing spreadsheets.
How I evaluated the best 1099 software for small businesses
I concentrated on the capabilities that are most valuable to organizations aiming to stay compliant with IRS rules while minimizing manual work and avoiding fines. The best 1099 software for small business operations should streamline the filing process, limit mistakes, and adapt to operations managing numerous contractors or high-volume submissions.
- TIN matching capabilities: I prioritized platforms that offer real-time or bulk TIN matching against IRS databases. This feature helps you avoid costly penalties for incorrect tax ID information and ensures accurate reporting.
- State filing support: Many states require separate 1099 filings, so I looked for tools that support both federal and state submissions.
- Form variant coverage: Beyond the common 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC, I evaluated whether the software supports less common forms like 1099-LTC, 1099-DIV, and 1099-CAP. Broad support is essential for diverse business needs and service providers.
- Corrections and compliance tools: I gave preference to software that allows easy corrections and amendments after filing, as well as those that offer recipient e-delivery consent tracking, ensuring full IRS compliance and flexibility for users.
- Integration with accounting platforms: I looked for seamless connections to accounting tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and payroll systems. These integrations reduce duplicate data entry and ensure consistency between financial records and tax filings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
It depends on the 1099 software you use. Most 1099 platforms, like Avalara and Tax1099, offer multi-payer support, allowing you to manage filings for multiple entities. QuickBooks Online, however, is limited to one business per subscription, which can be restrictive for accountants or agencies.
Missing the January 31 deadline can result in penalties ranging from $60 to $310 per form, depending on how late they are filed. Platforms like Tax1099 and Avalara offer deadline reminders and auto-filing options to help reduce this risk.
Yes. Both Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online require integration with third-party services like Tax1099 for electronic submission of 1099 forms. These integrations streamline the filing process but may involve additional costs.
Yes. Platforms like Tax1099 and Avalara support bulk uploads via CSV or API, making them ideal for high-volume filers. QuickBooks Online supports bulk actions only if all contractor payments are tracked within the system.
It depends on the 1099 solution you use. Many platforms, including Avalara and Tax1099, retain prior-year data to speed up annual filings. QuickBooks also maintains vendor history, but reuse is only effective if all data remains organized within the same company file.