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What to do if QuickBooks 1099 report is blank?

Bob Martin | 30 January 2025

A blank 1099 report in QuickBooks can be frustrating, but it's usually a matter of settings or filters. Here's a breakdown of troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify 1099 Preferences:

Company Preferences: Go to Edit > Preferences > 1099 Preferences > Company Preferences.
Review Settings: Ensure that you have correctly set up your 1099 settings, including the filing method (e-file or paper), the 1099 threshold, and the default 1099 form type (NEC or MISC).

2. Check Vendor/Contractor Information:

Vendor List: Go to Vendors > Vendor Center.
Edit Vendors: Open each vendor's profile that should be receiving a 1099.
1099 Information: Verify that the "1099 Vendor" checkbox is checked. Critically, make sure their Tax ID (SSN or EIN) is entered correctly. A missing or incorrect Tax ID is a very common reason for blank 1099s.
Payment Information: While you're in the vendor profile, it's a good idea to check that their address and other contact information are also accurate.

3. Review Transactions:

Date Range: Double-check the date range you're using for the 1099 report. Make sure it covers the tax year you're reporting.
Transaction Types: Ensure the transactions you're looking at are actually 1099-eligible payments. Common 1099 payment types include rent, royalties, independent contractor fees, and other services. Payments for goods usually aren't 1099 reportable.
Account Mapping: QuickBooks needs to know which accounts represent 1099 payments. Go to Edit > Preferences > 1099 Preferences > Company Preferences. Click the "1099 Mapping" button. Make sure the accounts where you've recorded 1099 payments are correctly mapped to the appropriate 1099 box (e.g., Box 1 for nonemployee compensation).

4. Report Filters:

Run the 1099 Summary Report: Go to Reports > Vendors & Payables > 1099 Summary.
Check Filters: Carefully examine the filters applied to the report. Make sure you haven't accidentally filtered out all vendors or transactions. Pay close attention to date ranges.

5. Other Potential Issues:

QuickBooks Version: Ensure your QuickBooks Desktop is up-to-date. Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Data Damage: If you suspect data damage, try running the Verify and Rebuild Data utilities (File > Utilities > Verify Data and then File > Utilities > Rebuild Data). Important: Back up your company file before doing this.
QuickBooks Installation: In rare cases, a corrupted QuickBooks installation can cause reporting issues. You might need to repair or reinstall QuickBooks.

6. If All Else Fails:

QuickBooks Support: Contact QuickBooks support. They have tools to help diagnose more complex issues. Be prepared to share details about your QuickBooks version, your company file, and the steps you've already taken.

Key Things to Remember:

Accuracy is Key: 1099s are important tax documents. Double-check all information for accuracy.
Vendor Communication: If you're having trouble getting information from a vendor, reach out to them directly.
Deadlines: Be aware of 1099 filing deadlines.

By systematically checking these points, you should be able to pinpoint why your 1099 report is blank and get it working correctly.

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