Do You Need to Issue a 1099 for Software Subscriptions?

Surprisingly, the answer is still no as of  2025. New employers need to think about 1099 filings and which of their transactions require annual reporting. You must submit Form 1099-NEC to report your payments of $600 or more in non-employee compensations.

Services performed that require you to submit Form 1099-MISC include:

  • Awards
  • Prizes
  • Rents

 

 

There are exceptions for what employers must report and reporting your software subscriptions makes the cut, because software is a product rather than a service performed by someone. The Internal Revenue Services provides certain Form 1099 exemptions.

Aside from not reporting software subscriptions that you purchase, other exceptions include:

  • Corporations
  • Services and goods
  • Tax-exempt organizations

 

Corporations – Employers generally do not submit a 1099 form when they make payments to a corporation. The exception includes an LLC that is regarded similarly to a C or S corporation.

Services and Goods – Do not send a 1099 form for your merchandise, utilities, subscriptions, storage, and similar services.

Tax-Exempt Organizations – Many nonprofit organizations and trusts are exempt from taxes.

 

The IRS outlines the specific circumstances that require employers to send Form 1099. Despite not needing to issue a 1099 for software subscriptions, utilizing affordable software is one of the most effective ways to ensure accuracy and compliance.

There is a less than 1% error rate for e-filed returns compared to 21% for paper returns.

In 2026, employers and other payors for tax year 2025 will not incur penalties from the Internal Revenue Service if they fail to submit a separate report that accounts for the total amount of:

  • Qualified overtime compensation
  • Reasonably designated cash tips

 

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