2017 Form Irs 1096 Fill Online Printable Fillable Blank 2017 Form IRS 1096 Fill Online Printable Fillable Blank A Comprehensive Guide This guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the IRS Form 1096 Annual Summary and Transmittal of US Income Tax Returns for the year 2017 The guide will discuss the purpose of the form its components and how to fill it out accurately We will also explore options for filling out the form online and downloading a printable fillable blank version Understanding Form 1096 Form 1096 acts as a transmittal document for all the various information returns Forms 1099 1042 and W2G that employers and other entities are required to file with the IRS It essentially summarizes the number of each type of information return filed and the total amount of income reported on each form Why is Form 1096 Necessary The IRS requires Form 1096 to Organize and track information returns It provides a consolidated overview of all the individual information returns filed making it easier for the IRS to process the data Ensure completeness and accuracy The form helps to ensure that all required information returns have been filed and that the total amount of income reported is correct Prevent errors and omissions The form provides a clear structure and guidelines for completing the necessary information Who Needs to File Form 1096 Any entity required to file one or more of the following information returns must file Form 1096 Form 1099 Used to report various types of income including dividends interest and payments to contractors Form 1042 Used to report income paid to foreign persons Form W2G Used to report gambling winnings 2 When is Form 1096 Due Form 1096 is due on or before February 28th of the year following the tax year For example for the 2017 tax year Form 1096 was due on February 28 2018 Understanding the Form Form 1096 consists of four main sections 1 Part I Identification This section requires you to provide your name address phone number and Taxpayer Identification Number TIN 2 Part II Summary of Returns This is the core of the form where you provide a count of each type of information return you are filing and the total income reported on each form 3 Part III Contact Person This section asks for the name phone number and email address of the person who the IRS should contact if they have questions about the information returns filed 4 Part IV Signature This section requires the signature of the person responsible for completing the form and filing the information returns Filling Out Form 1096 The following steps provide a comprehensive guide to completing Form 1096 Step 1 Downloading the Form IRS Website The IRS website provides the latest version of Form 1096 in both PDF and fillable PDF formats You can download the form directly from the IRS website and save it to your computer Thirdparty websites Many websites offer free printable and fillable versions of Form 1096 allowing you to download and complete the form directly on your computer Step 2 Gathering Necessary Information Before filling out the form you need to gather the following information Your TIN This is your Social Security Number SSN or Employer Identification Number EIN Name and address Your business name and address or your personal name and address if you are filing as an individual Phone number and email address For contact purposes Number of each type of information return This includes the number of Forms 1099 1042 and W2G you are filing Total amount of income reported on each type of information return This is the sum of all 3 income reported on each type of information return Step 3 Completing Part I Line 1 Enter your business name or your personal name if you are filing as an individual Line 2 Enter your business address or your personal address Line 3 Enter your business phone number or your personal phone number Line 4 Enter your TIN SSN or EIN Line 5 Enter the name of the contact person for the IRS to contact if they have questions about the information returns filed Line 6 Enter the contact persons phone number Line 7 Enter the contact persons email address Step 4 Completing Part II Column A This column identifies the type of information return you are filing Column B This column indicates the number of returns you are filing Column C This column lists the total amount of income reported on each type of information return Step 5 Completing Part III Line 8 Enter the name of the contact person Line 9 Enter the contact persons phone number Line 10 Enter the contact persons email address Step 6 Completing Part IV Signature Have the person responsible for completing and filing the form sign and date the form Step 7 Filing the Form Electronic filing The IRS encourages taxpayers to file Form 1096 electronically You can use thirdparty tax software or file directly through the IRS website Paper filing If you are filing the form on paper you must mail it to the address specified on the form instructions Tips for Accuracy and Efficiency Doublecheck your information Ensure all the details you provide are accurate and upto date Use a fillable PDF form This allows you to type directly into the form fields reducing the risk 4 of errors Keep a copy of the form Make sure to keep a copy of the completed Form 1096 for your records Conclusion Form 1096 is an essential document for businesses and individuals required to file information returns with the IRS By understanding the purpose of the form and following the steps outlined above you can ensure you complete and file the form accurately and efficiently Remember to consult the latest IRS instructions and publications for any updates or changes in requirements