D2TTB - Topics about Lawyers

  Demystifying Tax Reporting Requirements for Legal Settlements Receiving a legal settlement payment often comes with tax obligations. A key document for plaintiffs is Form 1099, which reports settlement amounts to the IRS. This comprehensive guide examines Form 1099 reporting rules and requirements for different types of legal settlements. Overview of Form 1099 for Legal Settlements When you receive a settlement payment from an employer, business or other entity, they will generally issue you a Form 1099 documenting the amount paid. Some key facts on 1099s: The payer must report settlements of $600 or more to the IRS using either Form 1099-MISC or Form 1099-NEC. Plaintiffs receive a copy of the 1099 form for their tax records. The form reports gross settlement amounts before any attorney fees or costs are deducted. Income reported on 1099s must typically be included on your tax return as taxable income. Form 1099-MISC vs. Form 1099-NEC There are two versions of Form ...