Tax Forms Helper automatically creates your 1096 summary transmittal from the data you’ve already collected.
From your dashboard, go to “Forms.”
Next, select the 1099s that you want to create a 1096 summary form for, such as the NEC, MISC, etc. In this case, we’re selecting a 1099-DIV.
Next, click “Generate 1099/W-3”
Decide if you want to print on a pre-printed IRS form or a blank sheet of paper. In this case, we’re printing onto a blank sheet of paper. If you choose to use a non-watermarked form, you'll need a *Print Access Code or purchase Self-Print in the Helper. *A Print Access Code is only necessary for 2025 forms to print. Previous years' forms will print without it and without a watermark. Click Print Forms when ready.
Paper filers, select “Print onto Pre-Printed IRS Form” to create your mailable red ink 1096 forms.
eFilers, select “Print onto a Blank Sheet” to create electronic or hard copies for your records. To ensure IRS compliance, these printouts are watermarked and not suitable for filing to the IRS or SSA.
Click Print Icon in upper right, and as we can see, our watermarked copy is in our print preview.
The print preview page will appear. Click "Print" to send form to your printer.
Good on you! You’ve generated and printed a 1096.
Tip: eFilers can send 1096 forms directly to the IRS without paper forms or printouts. More time saved!
Why can’t I file my watermarked plain ink copies?
Certain tax form sheets are scanned through automated equipment that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to process red ink.
For your copy A and 1096 forms, the IRS requires pre-printed forms with machine-readable flint-red OCR dropout ink.
You may face significant penalties and long delays for sending plain ink copies that fail to scan. Adams Tax Forms Helper watermarks these black-ink copies to help you avoid penalties and fines.
Paper filers, select “Print onto Pre-Printed IRS Form” to create your mailable red ink 1096 forms.
eFilers, select “Print onto a Blank Sheet” to create electronic or hard copies for your records. To ensure IRS compliance, these printouts are watermarked and not suitable for filing to the IRS or SSA.
Click “Print Forms.”
The following print preview screen will appear. Click the print icon in the upper right corner.
Click “Print” and your summary form will go to your printer.
Why can’t I file my watermarked plain ink copies?
Certain tax form sheets are scanned through automated equipment that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to process red ink.
For your copy A and 1096 forms, the IRS requires pre-printed forms with machine-readable flint-red OCR dropout ink.
You may face significant penalties and long delays for sending plain ink copies that fail to scan. Adams Tax Forms Helper prints these black-ink copies for records only to help you avoid penalties and fines.
Good on you! You’ve just generated and printed a 1096.