How to Obtain 1099-MISC Forms When Working as a Government Contractor

Government agencies report the payments they make to contractors on 1099-MISC forms. These forms report the income a contractor receives, called "Non-employee Compensation," as well as any payments the agency makes on behalf of the contractor, such as health care or attorney expenses. If you are a government contractor and receive less than $600 in a year, you probably will not receive a 1099-MISC. However, you must still report the income on your tax return. If you lost or did not receive a 1099-MISC, you can obtain a copy from the agency for which you did contract work.

Instructions

1. Call the government agency with which you contracted. Contact information is usually found on the contract you signed or on payment documents, such as invoices. You can also go to the government agency's website for contact information.

2. Tell a representative you are a contractor and need a copy of your 1099-MISC form. She will transfer you to the appropriate department.

3. Provide your name, Social Security number, Commercial And Government Entity, or CAGE, code, Merchant Class Code and the project number, as applicable. Tell the representative if your mailing address has changed, and provide the new address. If your address is the same, he will send the 1099-MISC form to the address on file.

4. Wait one to four weeks to receive the 1099-MISC form.

References

• U.S. Department of Defense Comptroller: Summary of Major Changes to Volume 10, Chapter 6 - Federal, State, Local, and Foreign Taxes
• Internal Revenue Service: Insturction For Form 1099-MISC