Why should we pay for approved forms rather than get them for free from the IRS? Is the layout different?
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Ah, yes. I do taxes for a non-profit every spring, and I've used that number to order publications. I think there is a limit of 2 for pubs and 5 for forms. So for companies with only one or two consultants, that works, but more than that you have to buy from a "publisher".
I don't think the IRS forms are really free?? When you go the IRS link provided in the message below... it warns you....This form is provided for informational purposes only. Copy A appears in red, similarto the official IRS form. Do not file copy A downloaded from this website. The official printed version of this IRS form is scannable, but the online version of it, printed from this website, is not. A penalty of $50 per information return may be imposed for filing forms that cannot be scanned.
To order official IRS forms, call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) or Order Information Returns and Employer Returns Online, and we'll mail you the scannable forms and other products. (IT DOESN'T SAY IF THERE IS A COST OR HOW MUCH THEY ARE.)
Personally, i have not found any advantage to getting the "Microsoft approved" forms ... they are as likely as not to need "tweaking": to work. The real compatibility comes from the printer driver being used. Every printer is slightly different, and some just don't line up right, so the Crystal Report that prints from Solomon has to be nudged a bit.
What we were questionging was the concept that you can get them for free from the IRS. it *is* cheaper from Staples or other stationery store, though, I'm sure.
But for less than 100 forms, the time taken to shop around would be more expensive than the money saved.The order from says "... order your official 2009 Tax Forms from your Microsoft Dynamics-recommended check supplier today." and "... guaranteed compatible with your software."
Thank you.
Linda
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1099msc.pdf
We issue fewer than 100 forms so it's no hardship to the AP staff to prepare them. Our CEO saw the order form (we already bought them) and asked, "can't we get these for free?"
It's been a long time since I even thought about where the forms came from, and honestly have no idea what the difference is. Thought someone here might know. Thanks in advance for any light you can shine ...
Linda
If the iRS gives you free 1099s, then I see no reason to get them from Staples... but I think they may only give you a few... and maybe those are only samples?
As Red says, let us know if there's a place to get them for free!!
the only "approved" form is the one "approved" by the IRS, so definitely get that one if you can!
W-2s are different, as the format is not standard like it is for 1099s.
Last time I personally did 1099's (about 3 years ago) I had to buy my forms from Staples (or some other establishment) or I had to use an "online service" to upload my data for 1099 processing. What is the IRS URL/address to get them for free? Maybe if I can see these free forms I can help answer your question.
PS...Our company uploads 1099 information to www.taxsoft.com and use their "FIRE" program to produce 1099's for a reasonable fee.
Dave Simon, CPA
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