Very small businesses and those with few contracted workers commonly ask the question: Can you handwrite a 1099 form? The short answer: Yes.
Technically, you can fill out 1099 forms by hand if you meet the pre-set guidelines. However, if you are thinking about handwriting a 1099 form, we urge you to reconsider. Handwritten tax forms are often flagged for mistakes and inaccuracies, which can lead to penalties.
In 2025, e-filed returns have an error rate of less than 1% versus the 21% rate for taxpayers who file paper returns.
The best way to prevent 1099 penalties is to use an electronic preparation and filing software, like those offered from Advanced Micro Solutions.
Some folks may still prefer to handwrite a 1099 form. The IRS has some helpful suggestions for employers who prefer to file tax forms the old-fashioned way. When you are ready to switch over to electronic preparation, we will be here to help. Our 1099-etc software tools are:
- User-driven and easy to use
- Capable of providing a near-seamless transition to paperless filing
- Highly affordable for small businesses on a budget
Tips for Paper Document Reporting
If you are required to file fewer than 10 returns in a calendar year, you will be able to use paper document reporting. Handwritten forms are acceptable, but they must be legible and accurate. These requirements will help you in avoiding processing errors, which may result in fees.
The IRS has a few tips to make the paper filing process easier:
- Use block print, not script characters
- If you have a small number of forms to prepare, consider contacting an IRS business partner to prepare them for little or no cost
- Type entries using black ink in we-point Courier font
- Print information in the middle of blocks, well separated from other letters
- Always use black ink (other colors cannot be read by machines)
- Enter all dollar entries without the dollar sign
- If a box does not apply, leave it blank
- Do not enter number signs (#)
Avoid 1099 Fees with a Software Solution
Many business owners ask the question, “Can you handwrite a 1099?” In reality, these business owners should ask, “Should you handwrite a 1099?” In most cases, the answer is no.
Opting for electronic filing and preparation significantly improves:
- Accuracy
- Efficiency
Even if you only have a handful of employees, investing in an accounting solution can free up some of your time. Our base W-2/1099 Forms Filer program is perfect for small businesses of different sizes. This software is the solution that you need, whether you have employees who:
- Require W-2 filings
- Plan to contract out a bunch of 1099 work
In addition to making electronic preparation and filing simple, the tool has countless benefits. If you decide to invest in payroll software, AMS Payroll integrates seamlessly with the W-2/1099 Forms Filer. Users can take tax and wage data generated from payroll and import it to relevant W-2s and 1099s. The information will be correct, and users will not need to spend a long time fussing over making their writing legible.
People Also Ask
- Can you use regular printed paper or photocopies if you handwrite 1099 forms? – No, the IRS will require you to submit original, official forms for all of your 1099s and W-2s. You also should not cut or alter your tax forms.
- Does my business need printable 1099 tax form software? – If you only plan to e-file your forms, it may not feel worth it to get a printable 1099 tax form. However, getting software that fulfills both filing methods can be beneficial for you and your workers.
So, can you handwrite a 1099 form? Technically, yes. But should you? If you value accuracy and your own time, then probably not. Download our free 1099-etc Demo software to begin.