Beginning in 2024, you must electronically file if the total information returns you're filing equals 10 or more. There are hardship waivers for filers who would experience difficulty complying with the new IRS electronic filing requirements but these waivers are challenging to attain.

1. 250-return threshold drops to 10
Under the previous rule, the IRS only required e-filing if you had to file 250 or more returns of the same type (e.g., Forms W-2). The new IRS regulations reduce the 250-return threshold to 10. You must file electronically if you file 10 or more information returns in a calendar year.

2. Includes all returns in the new threshold
Under the previous IRS rule, the 250-return threshold was applied individually to each information return type. For example, 1099-NEC was one return type, and Form W-2 was another return type. The new IRS rule requires filers to aggregate almost all information return types. You must electronically file if the sum of all types of returns (e.g., Forms W-2, 1099-MISC, and 1099-NEC) is 10 or more.

3. Corrections
You must file a correction using the same format you filed the original. If you e-filed a 1099 original forms and need to file a correction, then you must electronically file the correction.