Form 1096

Form 1096, officially titled "Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns," is a United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form used to summarize and transmit paper copies of certain information returns to the IRS. It is essentially a cover sheet, providing a concise overview of the various 1099 forms and other information returns being submitted.

The purpose of Form 1096 is to allow the IRS to efficiently process a large volume of information returns submitted by businesses and other entities. It provides a total count of the number of each type of information return being submitted, along with the aggregate amount reported on those returns. This facilitates verification and reconciliation of the reported data.

Businesses and other organizations that are required to file information returns, such as Form 1099 (various types), Form 5498, and Form W-2G, and who are submitting these returns in paper format, must also file Form 1096. The form requests basic information about the filer, including their name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Filing Form 1096 electronically is often encouraged by the IRS. When filing electronically, the information otherwise provided on Form 1096 is generally incorporated into the electronic filing system, eliminating the need for a separate cover sheet.

Failure to file Form 1096, or filing it with inaccurate information, can result in penalties from the IRS. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the information reported on Form 1096 accurately reflects the information provided on the accompanying information returns.