Fill Out Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns
You've already completed your 1099s, W-2Gs, or other information returns. Now you need the cover sheet to send them to the IRS. Upload your 1096 PDF, and Simplicity AI totals your returns, fills in the transmittal details, and generates a clean form ready to mail. No manual counting, no math errors, no second-guessing which box to check.
AI converts the 1096 into an interactive form. No manually tapping into tiny fields or squinting at box numbers.
Upload your completed 1099s or other information returns as source documents, and AI calculates the totals for you.
Filing multiple types of information returns? Simplicity AI reminds you that each return type needs its own separate 1096.
Form INFORMATIONS
Filer's Name:
Your legal business name. If you're a sole proprietor without a registered business name, use your personal legal name. This must exactly match the name on the information returns you're transmitting and on your 94X series tax returns.
Address:
Your business mailing address, including street, city, state, country, and ZIP code. This is where the IRS will send any correspondence about your filing.
Contact Information:
Name of the person the IRS should contact with questions, along with phone number, email, and fax number. Many filers enter their accountant or tax preparer here rather than their own information.
Box 1 - Employer Identification Number (EIN):
Enter your EIN if your business is incorporated or has one assigned. This must match the EIN used on the information returns being transmitted and your 94X series returns.
Box 2 - Social Security Number (SSN):
Only fill this in if you're a sole proprietor or individual without an EIN. Fill in either Box 1 or Box 2, never both. Even if you have both an EIN and an SSN, use only the EIN in Box 1.
Box 3 - Total Number of Forms:
Count the total number of information returns you're submitting with this 1096 and enter it here. Count forms, not pages. If you're sending 15 completed 1099-NECs, enter "15." Do not count the 1096 itself, and subtract any blank or voided forms from the total.
Box 4 - Federal Income Tax Withheld:
Add up the total federal income tax withheld across all the information returns accompanying this 1096 and enter the sum here. If no federal tax was withheld on any of the attached forms, enter zero.
Box 5 - Total Amount Reported:
Sum the payment amounts reported on the information returns you're transmitting. The specific box you pull from depends on the return type. For 1099-NEC, it's Box 1 (nonemployee compensation). For 1099-MISC, it's Boxes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. For 1099-INT, it's Boxes 1, 2, 3, 8, 10, and 13. If your form pulls from multiple boxes, add those amounts together. Leave this blank if you're filing Form 1098-T, 1099-A, or 1099-G.
Box 6 - Type of Form:
Mark an "X" next to the specific information return type you're transmitting with this 1096. You can only check one box. If you're filing different types of returns (for example, 1099-NECs and 1099-MISCs), you need a separate 1096 for each type. This is the most frequently misunderstood rule on the form: one 1096 per return type, no exceptions.
Signature, Title, and Date:
Sign under penalty of perjury that the information is true, correct, and complete. Enter your title (owner, partner, corporate officer, etc.) and the date. Only authorized individuals can sign: sole proprietors sign personally, corporate officers sign on behalf of corporations, and partners or members sign on behalf of partnerships and LLCs.
WHAT IS FORM 1096?
What Is Form 1096 and Who Needs to File It?
IRS Form 1096, officially called "Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns," is the cover sheet used to transmit paper information returns to the IRS. It summarizes totals from forms such as 1099s, 1098s, W-2Gs, and other information returns.
Unlike the 1099 or W-2G forms (which report payments to recipients), Form 1096 is prepared by the filer and sent only to the IRS. You attach it to your paper information returns when filing by mail.
You need to file Form 1096 if: You submit paper copies of 1099 forms to the IRS. You file W-2Gs or other information returns by mail. You are a small business owner, freelancer, or organization reporting payments to contractors or vendors. You are an accountant or tax preparer filing information returns on behalf of clients.
If you file electronically, Form 1096 is not required. But for paper filings, it's mandatory—and errors in totals or form types can delay processing or trigger IRS notices. The form looks simple, but calculating totals, matching return types, and ensuring accuracy across multiple documents can quickly become tedious. That's where Simplicity AI simplifies the process.
How to Fill Out Form 1096 Online in 6 Simple Steps
1
Upload your Form 1096 PDF to Simplicity AI. The AI scans the form layout, identifies all fields and boxes, and converts it into a guided, interactive form.
2
Upload your completed information returns (such as 1099-NECs or 1099-MISCs). Simplicity AI analyzes documents and automatically extracts totals.
3
Enter your filer details, including your business name, address, contact information, and EIN or SSN. This identifies the filer to the IRS.
4
Review the automatically calculated totals in Boxes 3, 4, and 5. Adjust only if necessary to ensure accuracy.
5
Select the type of information return in Box 6. If you're filing multiple types of returns, create a separate Form 1096 for each type.
6
Export your completed Form 1096 as a clean PDF, ready to print and mail with your information returns to the IRS.
Super Fast
Complete Form 1096 in under a minute. Upload your returns and let AI calculate totals instantly, even when filing dozens of forms.
AI-Powered
Simplicity AI understands the structure of Form 1096 and automatically maps your data to the correct fields, eliminating manual counting and math errors.
Secure
Your tax documents contain sensitive business data, including EINs, SSNs, and payment totals. Simplicity AI encrypts your files and never shares your data.
FAQs
FORM 1096: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form 1096, and why do I need it?
Form 1096 is the summary cover sheet for paper information returns sent to the IRS. If you mail 1099s, W-2Gs, or similar forms, you must include Form 1096 to summarize totals and identify the filer.
How do I fill out Form 1096 online for free?
Upload your Form 1096 and information returns to Simplicity AI. The platform converts the form into an interactive guide, automatically calculates totals, and generates a completed PDF ready for submission.
Do I need a separate Form 1096 for each type of return?
Yes. Each type of information return (for example, 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC) requires its own Form 1096. You cannot combine multiple form types into a single transmittal.
What totals go on Form 1096?
You must report the total number of forms submitted, total federal tax withheld, and total amount reported across all attached information returns.
When is Form 1096 due?
The deadline depends on the type of information return attached. For most 1099 forms, the deadline is January 31. Always submit Form 1096 together with your paper returns.
Do I need Form 1096 if I file electronically?
No. Form 1096 is only required for paper filings. Electronic filers use the IRS FIRE system instead.
Is my data secure when I complete Form 1096 with Simplicity AI?
Yes. Simplicity AI encrypts your documents and keeps your data private. Your files are never shared or used to train AI models.
Common Mistakes When Filing Form 1096
(and How AI Prevents Them)
Using the Wrong Form Type
Many filers mistakenly combine different types of returns on one Form 1096. The IRS requires one Form 1096 per return type. Simplicity AI flags this automatically.
Incorrect Totals in Boxes 3, 4, or 5
Manual counting and calculations often lead to errors. Even small discrepancies between Form 1096 and attached returns can trigger IRS notices. Simplicity AI calculates totals directly from your uploaded forms.
Entering Both EIN and SSN
Some filers mistakenly complete both Box 1 and Box 2. Only one identification number should be entered. Simplicity AI guides you to fill the correct box.
Mismatched Filer Information
If the filer's name or EIN on Form 1096 doesn't match the attached returns, the IRS may reject the filing. Simplicity AI ensures consistency across all documents.
Forgetting Separate Forms for Multiple Return Types
Filing 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC together on one Form 1096 is a common error. Simplicity AI alerts you when a separate transmittal is required.
Missing the Filing Deadline
Late filings can result in penalties and processing delays. Simplicity AI speeds up preparation so you can file accurately and on time.
Submitting Incomplete or Unsigned Forms
Unsigned Form 1096 submissions are invalid. Simplicity AI highlights missing fields and signature requirements before export.
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