How much can I pay someone without a 1099?
John Kim
Updated on June 03, 2026
You add up all payments made to a payee during the year, and if the amount is $600 or more for the year, you must issue a 1099 for that payee. If the amount you paid the worker totals less than $600 for the tax year, then you are not required to issue a 1099 form.