How exactly does the template work?
Using the template is easy! Once you've downloaded the template, unzip the file, open it in Microsoft Word, enter your information and print your the information into your paper forms! What the following 3-minute video that demonstrates how the template works!
When I open the template it says “READ-ONLY”—how can I fix this?
This is an indicator that you have not unzipped the .zip file correctly, and that you are only “looking into” the zipped-up file, and aren’t actually opening the fully-unzipped file. Follow these instructions from Microsoft to properly unzip the file or watch this YouTube video that shows you how (Windows instructions are from 0:00 to 0:52, Mac instructions start after that). Try opening the file again once it has been properly unzipped.
What the heck? This just looks like a Word file with a bunch of blank fields! I thought this was going to be a fillable 1099 form? Is this some kind of scam?
Rest assured that we're not trying to swindle anyone—we're just a teeny company trying to save other small businesses some time. We've tried very hard to be clear across this site that our product is not a digital version of a 1099 form. This product is a template that provides carefully-aligned fields that enable you to enter your information and print it onto the paper forms you can order from the IRS or purchase at an office supply store. The IRS requires that 1099 forms are machine-readable by their equipment, which is why they do not currently offer a digital method of completing the forms and require paper forms instead. Without a template like ours, you would need to hand-write your 1099 forms (and run the risk that the data is read wrong) or use a typewriter to complete the form (and good luck tracking down a typewriter).
We've worked very hard to clearly show this difference across the site, but unfortunately it can be hard to clearly communicate such a slight difference in concept.
Will your product print the actual 1099-MISC form?
Nope. We've tried very hard to be clear across this site that our product is not a digital version of a 1099 form. This product is a template that provides carefully-aligned fields that enable you to enter your information and print it onto the paper forms you can order from the IRS or purchase at an office supply store. The IRS requires that 1099 forms are machine-readable by their equipment, which is why they do not currently offer a digital method of completing the forms and require paper forms instead. Without a template like ours, you would need to hand-write your 1099 forms (and run the risk that the data is read wrong) or use a typewriter to complete the form (and good luck tracking down a typewriter). Watch the video above to see exactly how it works!
How do I open a .zip file on a PC?
To properly unzip the file on your PC just follow these instructions provided by Microsoft, or use a free program like Winzip. If this does not work, simply reply to your original purchase email and we can send you the files in an unzipped format.
When I try to open the file, it says there is an error or that the file is corrupt. Help!
It has been our experience that this is an issue that occurs when the file unzips improperly on a PC machine. To remedy this error, re-download the file and properly unzip the file on your PC by following these instructions provided by Microsoft, or with a free program like Winzip. If this does not work, simply reply to your original purchase email and we can send you the files in an unzipped format. In most cases, this solves the problem.
Word is showing an error when I open the file. Help!
Some versions of Microsoft Word prefer the .docx file type and some prefer the .doc file type. Both types have been included in the downloaded set of files. If one of these file types causes an error, try the other file type.
Where can I order the paper 1099-MISC forms or 1099-NEC from the IRS?
The IRS enables you to order the 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC forms right from their website—here's the link. You might want to order a couple extra forms in case you make a mistake or your printer jams. Make sure to order them ahead of time, as they typically take about 2 weeks to arrive.
When I go to print the file, all of the information is printing about 1/2" off on the right edge. How do I fix this?
In most cases, this is due to having not removed the perforated strip from the right side of the forms. On the right side of the paper forms, there is a strip where all of the copies of the form are glued together. Remove this strip, reinsert the form into your printer, and reprint the form. Voila! Everything should be correctly aligned now.
I've removed the perforated edge, but the printed information is still off. Got any other ideas?
Make sure you're inserting the form flush to the edge the paper tray of your printer. It might seem tempting to center the page in the paper tray, since the pages are slightly narrower than a standard sheet of paper once the perforated edge is removed, but this will cause the printing to be off.
The printing in one or more fields is just a tiny big off, but I can't move the fields. Is there any way I can manually adjust just those fields?
Starting in 2020 we began selling the template with the fields unlocked. If you're comfortable in Word, you can simply click the field and grab the edge and move them slightly in the direction that is needed. Here’s a video showing you exactly how to grab and move the fields!
When I print the form, the text seems to be cut off at the bottom of the page. What is happening here?
As explained in the Troubleshooting document that was included with your files, The 2021 version of the 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC forms produced by the IRS uses a very tight margin (meaning, the form runs very close to the edge of the page). Our templates have been set up to match the IRS’ paper forms. However, some printers cannot print as close to the edge of the form as the form requires, and the print may get cut off. This is not an error in the template, but a limitation of your printer’s capabilities. In these cases, you may wish to hand-write the cut-off text. We apologize for any inconvenience, but unfortunately since this problem is being caused by your specific printer’s capabilities, resolving it is outside of our control.
You may also encounter an alert message when you go to print the form, notifying you of the small margins; simply press ok on this alert and the template will print as close to the edge as your printer will allow.
The printing at the bottom of the page is getting cut off, how do I get it to stop getting cut off?
Unfortunately, this is most likely due to factory limitations of your printer and there likely isn’t anything that can be done to resolve this. To be clear, this issue is not caused by an error or limitation of the template itself, but of your printer’s capabilities.
Is there a way to create multiple 1099s in the same document?
Unfortunately, no. The form is not part of the master page, so by nature it won't automatically duplicate to the next page. This is because for the fields to be editable, they need to be part of the live page content, not the master page. The easiest way to do this task is going to be to simply create a file for each person who you need to create a 1099 for.
Can I get a refund for my purchase?
Unfortunately, no. Since you get access to the template as soon as you purchase, all sales are final and nonrefundable.
If these solutions don't solve your problem, simply reply to your original purchase email and we'll see if we can help. In some cases, there is nothing we can do, as every printer and computer has different settings and there is just no way for us to be able to know them all from a distance. If you choose to email us, in most cases you can expect a response from us within 24 hours, unless it near a holiday or weekend.
Unfortunately, all sales are final and non-refundable.
