Businesses need to send the appropriate 1099 forms to recipients by the end of this month. It is your responsibility to request the recipient’s tax identification number (TIN) or social security number (for a sole proprietor) on a W-9 form. But if a scheduled recipient has not provided you with their TIN or SSN, what can you do?

Very simple solution. The IRS instructions (page 6 of the general instructions to Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G) read:

“If the recipient does not provide a TIN, leave the box for the recipient’s TIN blank.” 

If a TIN or SSN is not provided, you should go ahead with backup withholding when appropriate.

If you have any questions regarding filing Form 1099 or other information forms, please contact the Gray, Gray & Gray Tax Department at (781) 407-0300.