I worked last year as a consultant for a small company. I haven't received a 1099-MISC from them, though I'm certain they will report my income. Frankly, I'm concerned that without significant badgering I won't ever see the 1099-MISC. Any suggestions for getting them to hurry things up? Can I file without them sending me the form? I know what they paid me, but I can't guarantee they're reporting it correctly which makes me think I'd end up getting audited if there were a discrepency.

If you have definite proof, say a acheck stub or photocopy of the payment check, go ahead and report the income and file your return.

Even if the income they report on the 1099 is not exactly the same, the IRS will not get overly concerned unless the discrepancy is rather large.

Thank you Atlanta Tax Expert.

The company I did work for is a startup, and the owner paid me using personal checks stamped with a business name and address - no check stubs. The only thing I have is a copy of my invoices which I sent electronically. Do you suppose that would be sufficient?

I wouldn't expect any discrepancy to amount to more than a few thousand dollars, but I can't help noticing that businesses seem to have an incentive to over-report this expense - they can use it as a deduction, correct?

This is my first year doing reporting miscellaneous income, but I've also read that doing so doubles your likelihood of getting audited, so I'd really like to have all my bases covered.

Thanks again for the advice.

Trentra:

Copies of your invoices are excellent proof as to the amount of funds received.

You are correct. The companies do deduct the contractor costs and possibly do have an incentive to over-report the expense.