Can Freelancers and Gig Workers Use WageFiling to Send 1099s?

If you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or small business owner who hires independent contractors, you’ve probably heard of the 1099-NEC. But when it comes time to actually send those forms, confusion sets in. Do you need expensive software? Can you file them yourself? And most importantly, can WageFiling help make the process easier?

The short answer is yes. WageFiling is a simple, affordable solution for freelancers and gig workers who need to file 1099s. Let’s break down how it works, why you need it, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Key takeaway: Freelancers and gig workers can use WageFiling to send 1099s quickly, affordably, and without needing complicated tax software.

Why Freelancers and Gig Workers Need 1099s

The IRS requires businesses (and individuals operating as a business) to send 1099-NEC forms to anyone they’ve paid $600 or more in a calendar year for services. That means if you:

Hire a virtual assistant to manage your inbox
Pay a designer for your website
Bring in a second photographer to help with a shoot
Use an independent contractor to complete gig work

…you’re responsible for reporting those payments on a 1099-NEC.

It’s important to note that freelancers often receive 1099 forms from their clients as proof of income. But if you’re hiring out services yourself, whether that’s paying a logo designer, a video editor, or a bookkeeper, you become the one responsible for sending the 1099s.

The IRS has stepped up its focus on the gig economy in recent years. With more freelancers, side hustlers, and small business owners than ever, it’s easier than you think to get caught in the compliance net. Failing to file the forms on time can result in steep penalties, even for small businesses and solopreneurs just starting out.

How WageFiling Makes the Process Easier

Unlike large accounting platforms that bundle 1099 filing with expensive add-ons, WageFiling was built specifically for small businesses and freelancers. Here’s why it’s ideal for gig workers:

Pay-per-form pricing: You only pay for what you file, no subscriptions required.
No special software: Everything is done online with a simple, step-by-step process.
IRS-Recognized Provider: WageFiling has been trusted since 1996 to securely efile tax forms.
Faster than paper filing: No printing, mailing, or dealing with triplicate forms.

Why Not Just Use QuickBooks or Paper Forms?

QuickBooks is a widely used accounting system that helps small businesses handle bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and more. It also allows 1099 and W-2 filing, but usually as part of a broader accounting package. This often means paying for features you may not need if your primary goal is simply filing year-end forms.

WageFiling, by comparison, is designed specifically for fast and affordable 1099 and W-2 e-filing. There are no subscriptions or ongoing costs. You simply pay per form. This makes WageFiling especially cost-effective for freelancers, gig workers, and small businesses who just want a straightforward way to stay compliant without extra software.

Paper filing is still available, but it takes more time, requires ordering forms, and can lead to missed deadlines. And with the IRS’s new rule requiring businesses that file 10 or more information returns in a calendar year to file electronically, paper filing is no longer an option for many small businesses. WageFiling streamlines the process by sending forms directly to the IRS and providing you with ready-to-print recipient copies, so you can deliver them to your contractors on time.

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re new to filing 1099s, here are some common mistakes and how WageFiling helps you avoid them:

Missing contractor information: Many freelancers forget to collect W-9 forms. WageFiling prompts you to enter the contractor’s name, address, and TIN correctly before submitting.
Late filing: Mailing paper forms is risky. E-filing through WageFiling ensures you hit the IRS deadline without relying on the post office.
Misclassifying workers: Accidentally treating an employee as a contractor can lead to serious tax issues. WageFiling helps keep your contractor forms organized so you’re less likely to misclassify.

Real-World Examples of Mistakes

A freelancer hires a web developer in December, but forgets to track the payment since it was through PayPal. By January, the developer expects a 1099, but none is sent.
A gig worker hires a part-time assistant who moves mid-year. Without double-checking the W-9, the form gets sent to the wrong address.
A new business owner waits until the last week of January to order paper forms, only to find the IRS deadline has passed.

These mistakes are common, but also preventable with the right system in place.

Step-by-Step: Filing a 1099 as a Freelancer

Here’s how the process works with WageFiling:

Gather your contractors’ information. Request a completed W-9 form from each contractor. This ensures you have their correct name, address, and TIN (SSN or EIN).
Log in to WageFiling. Select “File a 1099-NEC.”
Enter payment details. Input the total amount you paid to each contractor during the tax year.
Verify accuracy. Make sure names, addresses, and identification numbers are correct before submitting. Errors can cause delays or rejections.
Submit securely. WageFiling e-files the forms directly to the IRS and provides you with recipient copies to print or email to your contractors.

Once submitted, you’ll receive confirmation that your forms were accepted. No waiting weeks for paper forms to process.

Preparing for Next Year’s 1099s

One of the best habits freelancers can build is to prepare throughout the year rather than scrambling in January. Here are a few tips:

Collect W-9 forms upfront. Make it part of your onboarding process with contractors.
Track payments monthly. Even simple spreadsheets help you avoid surprises later.
Plan for quarterly reviews. Spend a few minutes at the end of each quarter reviewing payments and organizing records.
Leverage WageFiling early. You don’t need to wait until the deadline. You can start preparing forms in advance and have them ready to submit.

By treating recordkeeping as an ongoing process instead of a last-minute scramble, you’ll make tax season a lot less stressful.

1099 Filing FAQs for Freelancers and Gig Workers with WageFiling

Do freelancers have to file 1099s themselves?

Freelancers only need to file 1099-NEC forms if they’ve hired and paid contractors $600 or more. If you’re just working for clients, you’ll receive a 1099, but you don’t send one.

How many 1099s can I file through WageFiling?

As many as you need. Whether it’s just one form or dozens, WageFiling lets you pay per form without forcing you into expensive software packages.

What happens if I don’t send 1099s as a freelancer?

The IRS may issue penalties per form for failing to file or filing late. Even small businesses are held accountable, so it’s always better to file correctly and on time.