10/27/2026
What contractors should know before year end
What is the 1099 threshold for subcontractors in 2026?
For payments made in 2026, the IRS requires a Form 1099-NEC once you pay someone $2,000 or more for services during the year. It was $600 for 2025, so the number you remember is out of date.
How do I know how much I paid each sub?
The total counts across the whole calendar year, not job by job. A sub who works on five of your jobs adds up fast, and that is where contractors lose track. When every payment is tied to the right person all year, January is a quick lookup instead of a scramble.
What should I do before paying a new sub?
Ask for a W-9. It is a short IRS form with their legal name and tax ID. Not sure who on your list needs a 1099? Your CPA can confirm, and we will have the numbers ready for them.
At Maple Bookkeeping Services, we track every payment to every sub, so you never dig through texts and checkbooks. Book a free consult at maplebkp.com or call 508-221-1874.
Warmest regards,
Patricia de Oliveira
