Alert!! New Recordkeeping Burden for Indies

Hi June,

Here is a current article that I thought may be of interest to you and indies such as me. The article states that the new healthcare reform bill contains a provision that requires the issuing of a 1099 to every vendor from which you make a purchase.

Quote from the article: "But under the new rules, if a freelance designer buys a new iMac from the Apple Store, they'll have to send Apple a 1099. A laundromat that buys soap each week from a local distributor will have to send the supplier a 1099 at the end of the year tallying up their purchases." Health care law's massive, hidden tax change.

This provision really annoys me. It really sounds nutty that an Indie such as myself is going to have to 1099 everyone I do business with. Is this really the case?

How can we start to prepare for this dramatic increase in paperwork? Thought this may be a good topic of discussion in one of your emails or for your blog.

Thanks for your consideration.
Elle DeeCompany: Indie Graphic Designer


Alas! Alack! 'Tis correct. What an added burden to indies.

Indies must now issue a 1099 to a corporation and thanks to the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" they must also issue a 1099 for any $600 or more paid for property or services.

A 1099 was always required when $600 or more in services was paid to an independent contractor -- another indie. It was not required if you paid a corporation for services.

It appears that the IRS is trying to rein in the cash economy. I don't know how it can be implemented. To send a 1099 you must have the federal ID # of the recipient. It's difficult enough to get those #s from other indies or childcare providers, getting this info from the iMac store or Staples or your local garage sale where you bought that wonderful antique desk will be challenging if not impossible.

Keep in mind that the IRS will issue clarifying regulations. So, please. Elle, alert your colleagues. If all of us indies let our representatives know about this unenforceable burden we can have an impact.

-- June