DENISE STUBBS, CPA

Filing 1099s isn't optional—it's an IRS requirement. Miss the deadline or file incorrectly, and you could face penalties starting at $60 per form. But here's what most business owners don't realize: you can't file a 1099 without first collecting a W-9 from your contractors. Without it, you're exposed to IRS penalties, potential tax liability, and year-end chaos that could have been easily avoided. The deadline is January 31, 2026, and the clock is already ticking.