Tax Forms Helper automatically creates your 1096 summary transmittal from the data you’ve already collected.
To get started, from the dashboard, click “Forms.”
Next, click the form for which you want to generate a 1096. In this case, we’re selecting a federal 1099-MISC. Note: you must have a 1096 for all NECs, another 1096 for all MISCs, and so forth. For all 1099s, whatever the type of form, you must generate a 1096 for all 1099 forms.
Next, click “Generate 1096/W-3.”
The following screen will appear, and you’ll decide if you want to print onto a Pre-Printed IRS form or Print onto a Blank Sheet, with or without a watermark. If you choose without a watermark, you'll need a print access code or to pay for Self-Print in the Helper. We’re going to print a Blank Sheet without a watermark, but you can click on either option. 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.