How to Print Form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online (2026)

Tax season used to be synonymous with paper cuts, messy ink ribbons, and a frantic search for lost receipts. However, as we move through the fiscal landscape of 2026, automation has become our best friend. If you are a business owner, knowing how to print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online 2026 is essential for staying compliant with the IRS without losing your mind. Whether you are looking for a way to print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online free (through manual alignment) or using the automated wizard, this guide covers every digital nook and cranny.

Master how to print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online 2026. Get expert help for tax season and QuickBooks errors at +1(866)500-0076. Expert guide.

Why Form 1099 and 1096 Matter in 2026

Before we dive into the "how-to," let’s refresh the "why." Form 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC are used to report payments made to independent contractors. Form 1096 is the "Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns"—essentially the cover sheet for your physical 1099 mailings.

Even as e-filing becomes the standard, many businesses still need to print 1096 form QuickBooks Online for their internal records or for specific state requirements.

Step-by-Step: Print Form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online 2026

Preparing your forms is a multi-stage process. You cannot simply hit "print" on a vendor page; you must first verify that your data is "tax-ready."

1. Pre-Check: Clean Up Your Vendor List

Before you try to print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online 2025 or 2026, ensure your vendors are marked correctly.

• Go to Expenses > Vendors.

• Click on a vendor and select Edit.

• Ensure the box "Track payments for 1099" is checked.

• Verify their Tax Identification Number (TIN) and address.

2. Launch the 1099 Wizard

QuickBooks provides a streamlined workflow to help you categorize payments.

1. Navigate to the Payroll menu (or Expenses depending on your interface).

2. Select Vendors and then click Prepare 1099s.

3. Choose the tax year (2025 or 2026).

4. Review your company information (Name, Address, EIN).

3. Mapping Accounts

This is where many users get stuck. You must tell QuickBooks which General Ledger accounts correspond to the boxes on the 1099. For example, "Nonemployee Compensation" usually maps to your "Subcontractor Labor" or "Professional Fees" expense accounts.

4. Review and Finalize

Once mapped, QuickBooks will show you a list of contractors and the amounts paid. If someone is missing, it’s likely because their payments were made via Credit Card (which are reported by the bank via 1099-K, not by you).

How to Print the Forms

Once you’ve moved through the wizard, you’ll reach the "Finish line." Here is how you actually print 1096 quickbooks online and the associated 1099s:

Printing on Pre-printed Forms

Most businesses buy pre-printed IRS forms.

1. Select Print and mail (or "I'll provide my own forms").

2. Click Print sample on blank paper to check alignment.

3. Place your pre-printed forms in the printer.

4. Select Print 1099 forms and then Print 1096 form.

Pro Tip: If you are trying to print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online free, remember that while the software generates the data, you still need the physical IRS-approved red-ink forms for the 1096 if you are mailing them to the IRS.

Must Read This Blog:- How to Print Your W-2 and W-3 Forms in QuickBooks (2026 Guide)

Common Challenges When You Print 1099 Form QuickBooks Online

Alignment Issues

Nothing is more frustrating than the numbers falling outside the boxes.

• The Fix: Use the "Fine-tune alignment" tool in the QuickBooks print window. You can move the text up, down, left, or right by small increments.

Missing Vendors

If a vendor isn't appearing when you print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online 2026, check the threshold. The IRS usually requires reporting only for payments over $600. If you paid them $599, QuickBooks will omit them by default.

E-Filing vs. Manual Printing

In 2026, the IRS has lowered the threshold for mandatory e-filing. If you have more than 10 forms, you must file electronically. However, if you have a small team, you can still print 1096 form QuickBooks Online and mail it.

Benefits of Printing Manually:

• Instant physical copies for your files.

• No additional e-filing fees per form (if you have the forms on hand).

• Complete control over the mailing timeline.

Conclusion

Navigating the nuances of tax season can be overwhelming, especially when software updates change the interface you’ve grown used to. Whether you are trying to print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online 2026 for the first time or the tenth, accuracy is your highest priority.

Sometimes, technical glitches can halt your progress. If you encounter issues like QuickBooks Error 12038—which often crops up during updates or when the software struggles to verify security certificates during tax form downloads—you don't have to handle it alone. For assistance with printing errors, data migration, or resolving the "QuickBooks Error 12038" to get your tax season back on track, contact our expert support line at +1(866)500-0076.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I print 1099s on plain white paper? 

No, the IRS requires the Copy A (the one they receive) to be on the official pre-printed red-ink forms. However, you can print Copy B and Copy C for your contractors and your own records on plain paper.

Q2: Why is my 1096 not showing the correct total? 

The 1096 is a summary of the 1099s you are printing at that specific moment. If you haven't selected all your vendors, the 1096 total will only reflect the vendors currently checked in the list.

Q3: Is there a way to print form 1099 and 1096 in QuickBooks Online free? 

QuickBooks Online usually requires a subscription that includes payroll or "1099 filing" features. While the printing tool is included in many plans, you may still need to pay for the physical forms or the e-filing service provided by Intuit.

Q4: Does QuickBooks Online 2026 support the 1099-NEC? 

Yes, QuickBooks 2026 fully supports the 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation, which replaced the 1099-MISC Box 7 several years ago.

Q5: What should I do if my printer skips a line? 

Always run a "Print Sample" first. Ensure your PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat) is set to "Actual Size" and not "Fit to Page," as scaling is the #1 cause of alignment errors.