IRS forms W-2 and 1099-MISC are used for filing employee and independent contractor payment and tax withholdings for the calendar year. Form W-2 is issued to employees to summarize gross wages earned, tax withholdings, pre-tax contributions for retirement savings plans and group health insurance premiums wages. The IRS requires employers to mail this W-2 to employees no later than January 31st of the year following the end of the tax year.
Freelance workers and independent contractors are issued an IRS Form 1099-MISC. If your company has paid at least $600 to them, they must be issued form 1099-MISC. The IRS also requires employers to mail 1099-MISC forms to vendors no later than January 31st of the year following the end of the tax year.