Typically, Form 1099-MISC is filed for each non-employee (independent contractor) to whom you have paid at least $600 (cash or check/ACH) for services performed for your business. When reporting non-employee compensation, the filing deadline is January 31. These payments are reported in Box 7.If you are filing less than 250 forms, you can file on paper. If you file 250 or more returns, you must file electronically. If you are early to the game, you can order your forms online. Paper forms can be found at most office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot, etc.).Besides non-employee compensation, be sure to analyze these two additional common categories for reporting:

• Business Rent Payments should be reported in box 1 of Form 1099-MISC. For business rent payments, you do not have to report these payments on Form 1099-MISC if you paid them to a real estate agent or property manager.

• Attorney Fees paid should be reported in box 7 of Form 1099-MISC. NOTE/ Attorney fees DO still need to be reported even if they are a corporation.

If you paid the vendor by credit card or a third- party network (like PayPal), those payments do not need to be reported as the credit card company or third party are required to report them.A few other common exceptions that typically do NOT need to be reported are as follows:

• Payments to a corporation (including an LLC treated as a C or S corporation). NOTE/ Attorney fees DO still need to be reported even if they are a corporation.

• Payments for merchandise, telephone, freight, and storage.

Form 1099-MISC filings should be filed with one Form 1096 (as a sort of summary coversheet). For the full list of instructions, see the IRS Instructions for Form 1099-MISC.Lis Lee Accounting is not a financial planner, broker, or tax advisor. Neither Lis Lee Accounting nor the content herein are intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice. The content and materials are intended only to assist you in your general organization and decision-making for your business or practice. Lis Lee Accounting shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations thereof.