Quick version: Pick one filing method for each set of forms, either eFile or paper. If you eFile through Helper, you don’t need a 1096. Don’t mail paper copies or a paper 1096 for the same forms.
Helper supports both eFiling and paper filing. Duplicates happen when the same forms reach the IRS both ways. The most common case is eFiling 1099s and then also mailing paper Copy A with a 1096.
eFiling? Go to eFile your forms.
Mailing paper forms? Go to Paper file your forms.
Why do duplicate filings happen?
When you eFile your 1099s, Helper includes the totals in the electronic filing, so the IRS doesn’t need a 1096. If you then mail paper Copy A with a 1096, the IRS receives the same forms twice. See Do you eFile the 1096?
Check what’s already been filed
Before you file anything, go to Forms and check the Queued & sent and Accepted tabs. Forms there have already been sent electronically. Don’t file them again on paper.
Forms marked Paper Filed have already been mailed. Don’t eFile them.
eFile your 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms
Warning: Once you eFile, don’t mail paper Copy A or a 1096 for the same forms. The IRS already has them.
Go to Forms and use the Form Types filter to show one form type, such as 1099-NEC.
Check the box next to each form you want to eFile.
Click Checkout & File in the bar at the bottom of the screen and complete checkout.
Repeat for your 1099-MISC forms. There’s nothing extra to do for the 1096. See How to eFile with the IRS or SSA.
Paper file your 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms
If you mail your forms, you’ll print Copy A and a 1096 yourself. Helper doesn’t mail paper forms for you.
Go to Forms and use the Form Types filter to show one form type, such as 1099-NEC.
Check the box next to each form you want to mail.
Click Print in the bar at the bottom of the screen and print Copy A on pre-printed red-ink forms.
With the same forms selected, click Generate Summary Form to print the 1096 for that form type.
Click Mark as Paper Filed to record that you mailed these forms.
Repeat for your 1099-MISC forms. The IRS needs one 1096 for each form type, so your 1099-NECs and 1099-MISCs each get their own. See How to Generate a 1096 and FAQ: Why do I have more than one 1096?
Missed the prompt? Select the forms and click Mark as Paper Filed in the bar at the bottom of the screen, or use Actions > Mark as Paper Filed on a single form.
Why marking matters: Forms marked Paper Filed leave the Ready list, so they won’t be included if you or a teammate eFiles later. If you marked a form by mistake, use Actions > Revert to Ready.
Can I mail a 1096 printed on blank paper?
No. The IRS requires pre-printed forms with red OCR dropout ink for Copy A and the 1096. Plain-ink printouts are for your records only. See Why can’t I file plain paper printouts of IRS “red ink” forms?
What if I already filed both ways?
If you eFiled and also mailed paper forms with a 1096, the IRS may send you a notice about the duplicate filing. [CHECK: confirm this guidance with the tax team]
Respond to the notice and explain that the duplicate filing was unintended.
Tell the IRS that the forms were eFiled through Helper, and include the eFile date.
Don’t mail paper forms for any set of forms you’ve eFiled.
Best practices
Decide whether you’re eFiling or paper filing before you start.
Use one method for each set of forms, never both.
After printing for mail, always confirm Paper Filed.
Check the Processing and Accepted tabs before you print anything to mail.
Need to fix a form after it’s filed? See Correcting a 1099 Form with an Incorrect Recipient Name or TIN.
Your 1099s and 1096 are filed once, the right way.