Introduction

NumFOCUS is required to provide all contractors who must file taxes with the IRS with a 1099-NEC form. The 1099-NEC form reports nonemployee compensation, which is the income received from 1099 independent contractor jobs, also known as self-employment income.

Eligibility for Receiving Tax Forms

Threshold Requirement: Only contractors who were paid more than $600 in a given year will receive a 1099-NEC form.
U.S. Taxpayers: Typically, only those required to pay taxes in the United States will receive a tax form. However, the finance team will issue a form based on the information you provided, such as the W-9 or W-8 form.

How to Receive Your Tax Forms

Check Your Email:
- You will receive an email from Avalara (Track1099) with a secure link to download your 1099-NEC form. This email is typically sent by January 31st for the previous year's compensation.
- If you do not receive this email, please check your junk/spam folder.
Contact Us If Needed:
- If you know you should have received your tax form but did not, please submit a ticket or email [email protected] to request it.

FAQ

Q: Why do I receive a 1099-NEC instead of a W-2?
A: Independent contractors are considered self-employed, which is why they receive a 1099-NEC form to report nonemployee compensation. Only employees receive a W-2 form. If you were working as an employee for your project, NumFOCUS HR staff will ensure you are aware of this designation and that you receive the proper tax forms.

Q: Why do I need to provide a W-9 or W-8 form?
A: The U.S. government requires NumFOCUS to verify the tax details of all contractors, whether or not they pay U.S. taxes, through the W-9 or W-8 forms. The W-9 form is for individuals who pay U.S. taxes, including citizens and residents. The W-8 form is for individuals who do not pay U.S. taxes. We cannot legally advise you on which form to use or how to fill them out. Please consult the IRS instructions for Form W-9 and Form W-8 for guidance.

Q: Do I need to pay taxes on income I receive from NumFOCUS?
A: NumFOCUS is unable to provide tax advice because we are not certified tax professionals. You should consult with an accountant or tax advisor in your area to determine your specific tax responsibilities.

Additional Resources

For further assistance or if you have questions about your tax forms, please submit a ticket or email [email protected].