Tax1099 Pricing: The Complete Breakdown
Looking for actual Tax1099 pricing numbers? You're in the right place. Tax1099 uses a tiered, volume-based pricing model that can get confusing fast-especially once you factor in the add-ons. I'll break down exactly what you'll pay based on your filing volume and needs, including details on all three subscription tiers, state filing costs, and how Tax1099 compares to competitors.
Tax1099 Pricing Overview
Tax1099 operates on a pay-per-form model with three subscription tiers: Essential (pay-as-you-go), Teams ($249/year), and Scale ($349/year). The good news: there's no upfront fee required with the Essential plan, so you can start filing without committing money upfront. The pricing structure rewards volume-file more forms, pay less per form.
All three plans share the same volume-based per-form pricing structure. The difference lies in the features, user management capabilities, and automation tools each tier provides. The per-form costs apply across all plans, starting at $2.99 for low-volume filers and dropping as low as $0.68 for high-volume users.
Essential Plan (Pay-As-You-Go)
This is Tax1099's base tier with no annual subscription fee. You simply pay per form filed based on volume:
- 1-20 forms: $2.99 per form
- 21-150 forms: $2.19-$2.30 per form
- 151-500 forms: $1.25-$1.31 per form
- 501-1,000 forms: $0.68 per form
- 1,000+ forms: Custom pricing available
The Essential plan is best for seasonal filers or businesses with low volume who want flexibility. You can start the filing process without any upfront fee or credit card requirement. Key features include:
- Secure eFile with IRS, State (CFSF) and SSA
- Corrected/Void form eFiling at no additional cost
- Schedule your eFile in advance
- Resubmission of IRS-rejected forms (free)
- Download and distribute 1099 payer/recipient copies (CSV/PDF)
- USPS Address validation
- Import data from CSV and 12+ no-code integrations including QuickBooks (Desktop & Online), BILL, Xero, and more
- Generate 1096/W3 summary forms
- Secure 4-6 years of file storage
- Audit trails for compliance tracking
The Essential plan works well if you're a small business owner, freelancer, or sole proprietor who files a limited number of forms each year and doesn't need multi-user collaboration features.
Teams Plan ($249/year)
Formerly called "eFile Plus," the Teams subscription adds features beyond the basic Essential plan. You still pay the same per-form fees on top of the annual subscription, but you get additional functionality for managing your filings more efficiently.
Key features exclusive to Teams include:
- All Essential plan features
- Add Member Users under the Main Account
- Each Member User can add payers, submit forms, run TIN matches, and request W-8/W-9 forms
- 250 Free TIN Matches included (valued at $250)
- Download multiple reports
- Smart eFiling with AI assistance
- AI Chat Assistance available 24/7 (Zenwork AI Tax Assist)
- Email and live chat support
- Two-Factor Authentication
The Teams plan is designed for mid-sized businesses that need shared access and verification of large-volume TINs. It's ideal for accounting firms with 2-5 team members who need to collaborate on client filings but don't require the advanced workflow management of the Enterprise tier.
Important note: Member Users on the Teams plan cannot share payers or see each other's activities. The Main Account has access to all information, but team members work in separate silos. If you need shared payer access and collaborative workflows, you'll need to upgrade to the Scale (Enterprise) plan.
Scale Plan ($349/year)
The Scale plan (also called Enterprise) is built for high-volume filers and large enterprises. It includes all Teams features plus advanced capabilities for complex filing operations:
- All Teams plan features
- Single Sign-On (SSO) available with a one-time implementation fee
- Create and manage teams with shared payer access
- Bulk TIN matching workflow (first batch of 10,000 records FREE)
- API access for custom integrations
- Workflow Management to set up approval processes before submission
- User Management with granular permissions
- Rights Management for role-based access control
- Action Tracking across all team activities
- Notice Management feature available (optional $199/year add-on)
The Scale plan makes sense if you're filing thousands of forms across multiple stakeholders and need custom integrations with real-time alerts. It's designed for:
- Large accounting firms managing multiple client entities
- Enterprise businesses with complex approval workflows
- Companies requiring API integration with existing ERP or accounting systems
- Organizations needing SOC 2 compliance and audit-ready documentation
The Workflow Management feature is particularly valuable for larger firms. It allows you to set up a multi-stage review process within Tax1099, ensuring forms are checked by multiple team members before submission-reducing errors and ensuring accuracy.
Add-On Services and Their Costs
Here's where Tax1099 pricing gets tricky. The per-form costs above only cover IRS e-filing. Most businesses need additional services, and these costs stack up quickly.
TIN Matching
TIN matching validates taxpayer identification numbers against IRS records before filing, helping you avoid costly penalties from incorrect TIN/name combinations.
- Real-time TIN matching: $1 per TIN match (one at a time verification)
- Bulk TIN matching: $150 for 10,000 records (exclusive to Teams and Scale plans)
- First bulk batch FREE: Teams and Scale plan users get their first batch of up to 10,000 records under one payer at no charge
TIN matching is worth the extra cost-IRS penalties for incorrect TIN/name combinations can range from $60 to $330 per form depending on how quickly you correct the error. For intentional disregard, penalties jump to $660 per form with no upper limit.
Tax1099's TIN matching service integrates directly with the IRS database and typically returns results within seconds for real-time matching and within 24 hours for bulk matching. The service checks multiple validation points including TIN type, name control, and IRS database records.
Recipient Delivery Options
After filing with the IRS, you need to provide copies to recipients. Tax1099 offers three delivery methods:
- IRS-compliant eDelivery: $0.25 per form (sends copies via secure portal with recipient consent tracking)
- Print & Mail (U.S.): $1.90 per form (includes formatting for #10 double-window envelopes)
- Print & Mail (International): $4.99 per form
Important: USPS mail requests placed during the final 5 days of filing season (through February 2) incur an additional $1 Rush-Hour Fee per mail. Plan ahead to avoid this surcharge.
The eDelivery option is the most cost-effective but requires that recipients opt-in to receive electronic copies. Tax1099's eDelivery portal is IRS-compliant and tracks recipient access, so you have proof of delivery for audit purposes.
State Filing Costs
State filing requirements vary significantly by state and form type. Many states participate in the Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) Program, where your federal filing is automatically forwarded to the state at no additional charge. However, this doesn't apply to all states or all situations.
States requiring separate direct filing:
- Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Vermont, and District of Columbia
CF/SF participating states with specific requirements: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Wisconsin may require direct filing in certain circumstances, particularly when state taxes were withheld.
States with no 1099 filing requirement: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming (these states don't collect income tax).
Tax1099 handles both CF/SF automatic forwarding and direct state filing. While CF/SF states don't incur additional fees, direct state filing typically costs extra. Pricing varies by state but generally follows a per-form model similar to federal filing.
Notice Management
The Notice Management feature helps you track and respond to IRS notices, including CP2100/CP2100A B-Notices for TIN mismatches. This feature is available as an add-on exclusively for Scale (Enterprise) plan users at $199/year.
Notice Management centralizes all IRS communications in your Tax1099 account, tracks response deadlines, and provides guidance on resolving common notice types. For firms managing multiple clients, this feature prevents notices from falling through the cracks and ensures timely responses.
Real Cost Examples
Let's look at what you'd actually pay in real-world scenarios, including all likely add-ons:
Freelancer/Small Business: 10 Forms
- E-filing: 10 × $2.99 = $29.90
- TIN matching: 10 × $1 = $10
- eDelivery: 10 × $0.25 = $2.50
- Plan cost: $0 (Essential)
- Total: $42.40
This scenario works for a small business paying a handful of contractors. Total cost per recipient: $4.24
Mid-Size Business: 100 Forms
- E-filing: 20 × $2.99 + 80 × $2.19 = $59.80 + $175.20 = $235
- TIN matching: 100 × $1 = $100
- eDelivery: 100 × $0.25 = $25
- Plan cost: $0 (Essential)
- Total: $360
For 100 recipients, you're paying $3.60 per form all-in. If you upgrade to Teams ($249) for collaboration features, the total becomes $609, or $6.09 per form.
Growing Business: 200 Forms
- E-filing: 20 × $2.99 + 130 × $2.19 + 50 × $1.25 = $59.80 + $284.70 + $62.50 = $407
- TIN matching: 200 × $1 = $200
- eDelivery: 200 × $0.25 = $50
- Teams plan: $249/year
- Total: $906 ($4.53 per form)
At this volume, the Teams plan makes sense because you get 250 free TIN matches ($250 value) plus AI assistance and team collaboration features. If you used those 250 free matches, you'd save $200 on TIN matching, bringing your effective cost down to $706, or $3.53 per form.
Large Business: 500 Forms
- E-filing: 20 × $2.99 + 130 × $2.19 + 350 × $1.25 = $59.80 + $284.70 + $437.50 = $782
- TIN matching (bulk): $150 for 10,000 (prorated = ~$7.50)
- eDelivery: 500 × $0.25 = $125
- Scale plan: $349/year
- First bulk TIN batch: FREE (saves $7.50)
- Total: ~$1,256 ($2.51 per form)
At this volume, bulk TIN matching and the Scale plan deliver significant savings. The first 10,000 TIN matches are free with Scale, so you'd only pay $349 for the plan plus per-form costs.
Enterprise: 2,000 Forms
- E-filing: 20 × $2.99 + 130 × $2.19 + 350 × $1.25 + 1,500 × $0.68 = $59.80 + $284.70 + $437.50 + $1,020 = $1,802
- TIN matching (bulk): FREE (first 10,000 with Scale plan)
- eDelivery: 2,000 × $0.25 = $500
- Scale plan: $349/year
- Notice Management: $199/year (optional)
- Total: $2,651-$2,850 ($1.33-$1.43 per form)
At high volumes, the per-form cost drops dramatically. For businesses filing 5,000+ forms annually, Tax1099 offers custom pricing that can reduce costs even further.
State Filing: What You Need to Know
State filing adds complexity and potentially significant cost to your 1099 compliance. Understanding which states require filing and when can save you both money and penalties.
Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) Program
The CF/SF program allows the IRS to forward information from federal forms (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-G, 1099-INT, 1099-K, and 1099-R) to participating states several times throughout the year. Tax1099 automatically handles this forwarding at no additional charge when you file federally.
Currently, 33 states plus DC participate in the CF/SF program: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
However, participation doesn't mean all forms automatically qualify. Most CF/SF states still require direct filing when state income taxes were withheld. Always verify requirements for your specific situation.
Direct State Filing Requirements
Some states don't participate in CF/SF at all or require direct filing for certain forms:
- No CF/SF participation: Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Vermont
- Conditional direct filing required: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia (when state taxes withheld)
- Separate filing requirements: Iowa, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington DC
Tax1099 supports direct state filing for these jurisdictions. The platform automatically determines which states require separate filing based on your form data and handles the submission process.
State Filing Penalties
State penalties for late or incorrect filing vary by state but can be in addition to federal penalties. Some states impose penalties ranging from $50 to $500 per form. California, for example, charges $50 per form for late filing, while Massachusetts imposes $2 per day per form up to $1,000.
Combined federal and state penalties can quickly become expensive. For a business that fails to file 100 forms in California, penalties could exceed $5,000 ($60 federal + $50 state per form).
Tax1099 vs. Competitors: Detailed Comparison
How does Tax1099 stack up against alternatives? Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
TaxBandits
TaxBandits offers competitive pricing with a multi-client dashboard popular among accounting firms:
- Federal filing: $2.75 per form
- State filing: $0.70 per form
- Print & Mail: Ranges from $1.35 to $4.75 per form depending on volume
- Volume discounts: Similar tiered structure to Tax1099
Strengths: Multi-client dashboard, OAuth 2.0 API, strong SFTP support, good for firms managing many EINs
Weaknesses: Interface can feel cluttered, bulk TIN matching more limited than Tax1099, no free corrections
Best for: Accounting firms and bookkeepers managing multiple client entities with moderate filing volumes (50-500 forms per client)
Track1099 (Avalara 1099 & W9)
Avalara's 1099 solution focuses on accuracy and integration with their broader tax compliance suite:
- Pay-as-you-go pricing: $3.10 per form (1-15 forms), $2.30 per form (16-165 forms), $0.63 per form at 500+ forms
- Includes with federal e-filing: e-delivery, e-corrections, and PDF/CSV downloads
- TIN validation: Additional cost
- Print & Mail: Available but pricing varies
- Annual subscriptions: Available starting at 100 forms minimum
Strengths: Strong integration with Avalara's tax platform, excellent for businesses already using Avalara for sales tax or other compliance, includes e-delivery in base price
Weaknesses: Higher per-form cost at low volumes, annual subscriptions require 100-form minimum, overage fees apply
Best for: Businesses already in the Avalara ecosystem or those needing comprehensive tax compliance beyond just 1099s
Yearli (by Greatland)
Yearli offers a tiered approach with clear upgrade paths:
- Core plan: Free annual subscription + per-form filing fees starting at $6.39
- Performance: $129/year + filing fees (adds TIN matching, state filing, archives)
- Premier: $799/year + filing fees (adds API access, bulk features, volume discounts)
Strengths: Backed by 125+ filing experts, strong print-and-mail logistics with same-day USPS options, good CSV/QuickBooks/Sage integration
Weaknesses: Per-form fees remain even at Premier tier, peak-season surcharges in January/February, lighter developer tools than API-first platforms
Best for: Growing businesses that want a clear upgrade path and value strong customer support and mail services
1099Pro
1099Pro provides both cloud and desktop options with enterprise-grade controls:
- Cloud eFile-only: Starting at $449/year for up to 100 forms (custom pricing above)
- Cloud eFile + Print & Mail: Starting at $684/year
- Cloud eFile + Print & Mail + eDelivery: Starting at $714/year
- Desktop software: $389 one-time purchase
- 7-day free trial available
Strengths: Enterprise-grade controls (SSO, granular permissions, auditing), outsourcing option for bulk filing, desktop option for firms wanting local control, strong compliance in highly regulated environments
Weaknesses: Higher cost structure than pay-as-you-go platforms, longer setup time, desktop workflows can slow distributed team collaboration
Best for: High-volume enterprise filers (500+ forms) needing governance and compliance controls, or firms wanting to outsource the entire filing process
1099Online
1099Online competes primarily on price:
- 1-10 forms: $3.49 per form
- 11-50 forms: $2.49 per form
- 51-150 forms: $1.99 per form
- 151-1,000 forms: $1.25 per form
- 1,000+ forms: $0.69 per form
Strengths: Budget-friendly at high volumes, simple interface for straightforward filings, proactive chat support
Weaknesses: Limited automation, fewer integrations than Tax1099 or TaxBandits, less robust API options
Best for: Small businesses with simple filing needs who prioritize low cost over advanced features
Where Tax1099 Fits
Tax1099's pricing is competitive for mid-to-high volume filers (100-5,000 forms). The platform's strengths lie in:
- Strong integration ecosystem (12+ accounting platforms)
- Robust bulk TIN matching with the first 10,000 free on Scale plan
- Flexible plan structure that grows with your business
- Comprehensive API for custom integrations
- 24/7 AI assistance (Zenwork AI Tax Assist)
- Free resubmission of rejected forms
For very small volumes (1-20 forms), TaxBandits or 1099Online might save you a few dollars. For enterprise-scale operations with complex workflows, evaluate both Tax1099's Scale plan and 1099Pro's enterprise offerings based on your specific compliance and control requirements.
What Tax1099 Does Well
After analyzing competitor offerings and user feedback, here's where Tax1099 excels:
Flexible Pay-As-You-Go Model
The Essential plan requires no commitment-no annual fee, no minimum forms, no credit card to get started. This makes Tax1099 accessible for businesses with unpredictable filing volumes or seasonal contractors.
Strong Integration Ecosystem
Tax1099 offers 12+ no-code integrations including:
- QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online (preferred vendor status with Intuit)
- Xero (two-way data sync)
- BILL (two-way data sync)
- Oracle NetSuite
- Sage Intacct
- Zoho Books
- FreshBooks
- Entrata
- Tipalti
- Custom Books
The two-way sync with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and BILL means you can make edits in either platform and sync changes back and forth-a significant time-saver that competitors often don't offer.
Comprehensive Form Support
Tax1099 supports virtually all 1099 variants (NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, K, R, S, B, C, OID, A, SA, Q, G, DA, PATR, and more), plus W-2/W-2C, 1042-S, 1098 series, 5498 series, 940/941/943/944 payroll forms, and ACA 1095-B/C forms. This breadth means you can handle all federal filing requirements in one platform.
Real-Time TIN Matching
Tax1099's TIN matching validates TIN/name combinations against the IRS database with results typically returned within seconds for real-time matches and within 24 hours for bulk batches. The service can handle up to 100,000 TIN/name combinations in a single bulk upload.
The first bulk batch (10,000 records under one payer) is free for Teams and Scale plan users-a $150 value that effectively reduces the cost of these subscription tiers.
Bulk Upload Options
Tax1099 supports multiple bulk upload methods:
- Excel/CSV with on-the-fly field mapping
- SFTP for scheduled automated transfers
- REST API for custom integrations
- Direct integration pulls from accounting software
- PDF import for W-9 and W-2 forms
The on-the-fly field mapping is particularly useful-you can use your own Excel template structure rather than reformatting data to match a rigid import format.
Correction Handling
Tax1099 resubmits IRS-rejected forms at no additional cost. If your submission is rejected due to IRS validation errors, Tax1099's support team helps resolve conflicts and resubmit corrected returns without charging per-form fees again.
This is a significant advantage over competitors who charge full per-form fees for corrections and resubmissions.
AI Tax Assistance
Zenwork AI Tax Assist provides 24/7 automated support for tax questions, filing guidance, and troubleshooting. Available on Teams and Scale plans, this AI assistant can help you navigate complex filing scenarios, understand IRS requirements, and resolve common issues without waiting for human support.
Security and Compliance
Tax1099 maintains robust security standards:
- 256-bit bank-grade encryption
- Annual SSAE-21 Type II audits
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- TIN masking to protect sensitive data
- Role-based access controls (Scale plan)
- Comprehensive audit trails
- GDPR compliance and HIPAA support via signed BAA (eligible plans)
For businesses in regulated industries, these security measures meet or exceed compliance requirements for handling sensitive taxpayer information.
What Tax1099 Doesn't Do Well
Let's be honest about the downsides and areas where Tax1099 falls short:
Pricing Confusion and Add-On Stacking
Multiple users report difficulty understanding the total cost once all add-ons are factored in. The base per-form pricing looks competitive, but TIN matching ($1 each), eDelivery ($0.25 each), print/mail ($1.90-$4.99 each), state filing, and subscription fees stack up quickly.
For example, what looks like $2.99 per form actually becomes $5.14+ per form once you add TIN matching, eDelivery, and subscribe to the Teams plan for a 100-form filing.
Tax1099 could improve transparency by offering an interactive cost calculator that shows total cost including likely add-ons based on your filing scenario.
Interface Complexity
For users who only file once a year, Tax1099's interface can feel overwhelming. The platform is designed for frequent filers and accounting professionals, with features and options that may be unnecessarily complex for simple filing needs.
First-time users report a learning curve, particularly around navigating between payers, recipients, forms, and TIN matching workflows. Better onboarding and simplified views for occasional filers would help.
Peak Season Support Challenges
Several users report challenges reaching support during the January crunch when filing deadlines approach. Response times can stretch from same-day to 48+ hours during peak season.
While Tax1099 offers 24/7 AI assistance on higher-tier plans, complex issues still require human support, which becomes strained in January and early February.
Historical SSA W-2 Filing Issues
Tax1099 experienced problems with W-2 submissions to the Social Security Administration in past years. Some users received letters from the SSA indicating their W-2 filings were not properly processed.
Tax1099 has publicly acknowledged these issues and states they have been fully resolved. The platform now processes W-2 and W-2C filings without disruptions, and systems are fully operational. However, the historical problems damaged trust with some long-term users.
If you're filing W-2s, verify that your submissions are properly accepted by checking your SSA confirmation notices and maintaining your own records.
Limited Free Plan Features
Unlike some competitors, Tax1099's Essential (free) plan doesn't include features like AI assistance, advanced reporting, or bulk TIN matching. You'll need to upgrade to Teams ($249) or Scale ($349) to access these capabilities.
For growing businesses, this means you may hit feature limitations before you're ready to commit to an annual subscription.
State Filing Complexity
While Tax1099 handles both CF/SF and direct state filing, determining exactly which states require filing in your situation can be confusing. The platform provides guidance, but users report having to research state-specific requirements independently to ensure full compliance.
A more robust state filing assistant that asks targeted questions about your recipients and automatically determines all required state filings would reduce compliance risks.
API Access and Custom Integrations
For businesses needing to automate 1099 filing within their own systems, Tax1099's API provides comprehensive capabilities exclusive to the Scale ($349/year) plan.
What the Tax1099 API Offers
The Tax1099 REST API supports:
- W-9 and W-8 form collection automation
- Real-time TIN checking against IRS database
- Tax-exempt status verification
- eFiling of 1099 series forms and 1042-S
- Federal, state, and recipient copy distribution
- Form status tracking and notifications
- Bulk data uploads and management
- W-2 and payroll form filing
The API uses standard REST endpoints with JSON formatting, making integration straightforward for developers. Tax1099 provides comprehensive API documentation with clear instructions on using endpoints to create, update, validate, and e-file tax forms.
API Use Cases
Common scenarios where Tax1099's API delivers value:
- Gig economy platforms: Automate W-9 collection during worker onboarding and generate 1099-NEC/K forms based on payment records
- Payroll software: Integrate W-2 filing directly within your payroll platform
- Property management systems: Automatically file 1099-MISC for vendors and 1099-NEC for service providers
- Payment processors: Generate 1099-K forms for merchants and marketplaces
- Investment platforms: Automate 1099-INT, DIV, and B reporting for account holders
API Pricing
API access is included with the Scale plan ($349/year). You'll still pay per-form fees for filing, but there are no additional API access charges or per-call pricing.
For high-volume API users (10,000+ forms), Tax1099 offers custom enterprise pricing that can include reduced per-form costs and dedicated API support.
API vs. No-Code Integrations
Tax1099's no-code integrations (QuickBooks, Xero, BILL, etc.) are included on all plans and don't require the Scale subscription. These integrations handle the most common use cases without development work.
Choose API access when you need:
- Custom workflows beyond what pre-built integrations offer
- Integration with proprietary internal systems
- Automated filing triggered by events in your system
- Custom recipient portal or white-label experience
- Advanced error handling and retry logic
Is Tax1099 Worth It?
Tax1099 makes sense if you:
- File between 50-2,000 forms annually: Sweet spot for pricing competitiveness
- Use major accounting software: QuickBooks, Xero, BILL, NetSuite, or other supported platforms
- Value accuracy over rock-bottom pricing: TIN matching and validation reduce penalty risks
- Need flexible filing without annual commitments: Essential plan offers true pay-as-you-go
- Want team collaboration: Teams and Scale plans provide multi-user access and workflow management
- Require comprehensive form support: Handle 1099s, W-2s, payroll forms, and ACA reporting in one platform
You might look elsewhere if you:
- Only file 1-20 forms annually: The IRS's free IRIS portal or simpler tools like 1099Online might save money
- Need white-glove enterprise support: Consider 1099Pro's outsourcing option with dedicated account management
- Want all-inclusive pricing: Track1099 (Avalara) includes more features in base pricing without nickel-and-diming
- Prefer desktop software: 1099Pro offers desktop versions for teams that want local control
- File primarily W-2s: Given historical SSA issues, verify current W-2 filing reliability or consider W-2-focused alternatives
Getting Started with Tax1099
Creating an account is free-you don't pay until you actually file. Here's how to get started:
Step 1: Create Your Account
Sign up at Tax1099.com with your email address. No credit card required for the Essential plan. You'll verify your email and set up two-factor authentication for security.
Step 2: Import Your Data
Choose your import method:
- Manual entry: Add payers and recipients individually through the web interface
- Excel/CSV upload: Use Tax1099's templates or your own format with field mapping
- Accounting integration: Connect QuickBooks, Xero, BILL, or another supported platform to pull data automatically
- API integration: Set up API credentials (Scale plan) for automated data transfer
Step 3: Validate with TIN Matching
Run TIN matching on your recipients to verify TIN/name combinations before filing. This step is optional but highly recommended to avoid IRS penalties and B-notices.
- Real-time matching: Validate one recipient at a time ($1 each)
- Bulk matching: Upload a file with up to 10,000 TIN/name combinations ($150, or free for Teams/Scale first batch)
Step 4: Review and Submit
Tax1099 performs automatic validation checks against IRS business rules and schema requirements. Fix any flagged errors before submission.
Review your forms in the preview interface, then submit to the IRS. Tax1099 provides real-time status tracking so you can see exactly where your submissions are in the process.
Step 5: Deliver Recipient Copies
Choose your recipient delivery method:
- eDelivery: Tax1099 sends secure portal access to recipients ($0.25 per form)
- Print & Mail: Tax1099 prints and mails physical copies ($1.90 U.S., $4.99 international)
- Download PDFs: Download recipient copies and handle delivery yourself (included)
Step 6: Track Confirmations
Tax1099 provides IRS acceptance confirmations and tracks the status of each submission. Keep these confirmations in your records for at least four years for audit purposes.
Tax1099 Alternatives for Specific Needs
Depending on your specific situation, consider these alternatives:
For Very Small Volumes (1-10 Forms)
Consider the IRS's free IRIS portal if you're comfortable with a basic interface and don't need integrations or TIN matching. IRIS allows up to 100 forms to be filed at once through manual entry or CSV upload.
For Accounting Firms Managing Many Clients
TaxBandits offers a multi-client dashboard with OAuth 2.0 API and per-client management that may fit accounting firm workflows better than Tax1099's payer-based structure.
For Businesses Already Using Avalara
Track1099 (Avalara 1099 & W9) integrates seamlessly with Avalara's broader tax compliance ecosystem, sharing data with Avalara sales tax and other products.
For Maximum Control and Compliance
1099Pro's desktop software provides local control over filing data and offers outsourcing services where their team handles the entire filing process for you.
For Budget-Conscious High-Volume Filers
1099Online's $0.69 per form pricing for 1,000+ forms undercuts most competitors, though with fewer features and integrations.
Tips for Reducing Your Tax1099 Costs
Here are strategies to minimize your Tax1099 expenses:
1. Use Bulk TIN Matching
If you file 200+ forms, upgrade to Teams or Scale and use bulk TIN matching. The first 10,000 matches are free (a $150+ value), and subsequent batches cost $150 for 10,000 records-much cheaper than $1 per real-time match.
2. Leverage Free TIN Matches
Teams plan includes 250 free TIN matches. If you typically file 200-250 forms annually, the $249 Teams subscription essentially pays for itself through included TIN matching alone.
3. Choose eDelivery Over Print & Mail
eDelivery costs $0.25 per form versus $1.90 for print and mail. For 100 forms, that's $25 versus $190-a $165 savings. Most recipients accept electronic delivery when you explain it's faster and more secure.
4. File Early to Avoid Rush Fees
Complete your filing before late January to avoid the $1 per mail Rush-Hour Fee during the final 5 days of filing season.
5. Use Accounting Integrations
Direct integration from QuickBooks, Xero, or BILL eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and saves time. The integrations are free on all plans.
6. Consolidate State Filing
Ensure you're only filing directly with states that truly require it. Verify whether your states participate in CF/SF to avoid unnecessary duplicate state filing fees.
7. Take Advantage of Free Corrections
If forms are rejected, Tax1099 resubmits at no additional charge. This is a significant cost savings compared to competitors who charge full fees for corrections.
The Bottom Line
Tax1099's pricing is competitive but requires careful calculation. The base per-form costs look reasonable-starting at $2.99 and dropping to $0.68 at volume-but factor in TIN matching, recipient delivery, state filing, and any subscription fees before committing.
For mid-volume filers (100-2,000 forms) who want strong integrations, bulk TIN matching, and team collaboration, Tax1099 delivers solid value. The Teams plan at $249/year is particularly attractive once you account for the 250 free TIN matches and AI assistance.
For high-volume enterprise filers (2,000+ forms), the Scale plan at $349/year with API access, first 10,000 TIN matches free, and workflow management provides the automation and controls needed for complex filing operations.
However, very small filers (1-20 forms) might save money with simpler platforms or the IRS's free IRIS portal. And businesses requiring extensive hands-on support during peak season should evaluate alternatives with stronger support guarantees.
The key is understanding your total cost-not just the headline per-form price. Use the scenarios above to estimate your all-in cost including add-ons, then compare against alternatives based on your specific filing volume and feature needs.
If you're also managing payroll and need a full HR platform that handles W-2s, benefits, and more in one integrated solution, check out our Gusto pricing breakdown or Gusto review for an all-in-one option that might simplify your compliance stack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tax1099 offer volume discounts?
Yes, Tax1099's tiered pricing structure automatically provides volume discounts. Pricing drops from $2.99 per form (1-20 forms) to $2.19-$2.30 (21-150 forms), $1.25-$1.31 (151-500 forms), $0.68 (501-1,000 forms), and custom pricing for 1,000+ forms. The more you file, the less you pay per form.
Can I file without a subscription?
Yes, the Essential plan is completely free with no annual subscription. You only pay per-form fees when you actually file. There's no minimum commitment, no credit card required to create an account, and no upfront costs.
What's included with Teams and Scale plans?
Teams ($249/year) adds multi-user access, 250 free TIN matches, AI assistance, advanced reporting, and 2FA. Scale ($349/year) adds API access, SSO, bulk TIN workflow (first 10,000 TIN matches free), workflow management, user management, and rights management. Both plans include all Essential features plus per-form fees.
Are there really no hidden fees?
Tax1099 advertises transparent pricing, but costs can add up beyond the base per-form fees. Add-ons include TIN matching ($1 each or $150/10,000), eDelivery ($0.25), print/mail ($1.90-$4.99), state filing (varies), and Notice Management ($199/year). The total cost depends on which services you need, so calculate your all-in cost including likely add-ons.
Does Tax1099 support state filing?
Yes, Tax1099 supports both Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) for participating states and direct state filing for non-participating states or situations requiring separate state submission. The platform handles state filing requirements automatically based on your form data.
What if my forms are rejected by the IRS?
Tax1099 resubmits IRS-rejected forms at no additional cost. Their support team helps resolve validation errors and resubmit corrected returns without charging per-form fees again-a significant advantage over competitors.
Can I try Tax1099 before paying?
Yes, you can create a free Essential account, import your data, and prepare forms without paying. You only pay when you actually submit forms to the IRS. The Scale plan includes API documentation and sandbox environment for testing integrations before going live.
How does Tax1099 compare to TaxBandits?
Tax1099 and TaxBandits have similar pricing ($2.99 vs $2.75 per form). Tax1099 offers stronger bulk TIN matching (first 10,000 free on Scale vs TaxBandits' per-match pricing) and more accounting integrations. TaxBandits has a multi-client dashboard that some accounting firms prefer. Both are solid choices for mid-volume filers.
Is Tax1099 secure for sensitive tax data?
Yes, Tax1099 uses 256-bit bank-grade encryption, undergoes annual SSAE-21 Type II audits, offers two-factor authentication, and maintains GDPR compliance with HIPAA support via signed BAA on eligible plans. Security standards meet or exceed requirements for handling sensitive taxpayer information.
Can I integrate Tax1099 with my accounting software?
Yes, Tax1099 offers no-code integrations with 12+ platforms including QuickBooks (Desktop and Online), Xero, BILL, Oracle NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Zoho Books, FreshBooks, Entrata, Tipalti, and Custom Books. Many integrations support two-way data sync. API access (Scale plan) enables custom integrations with proprietary systems.