IRS Publishes Reproduction Requirements for Substitute Forms

Note. This revenue procedure will be reproduced as the next revision of IRS Publication 1179, General Rules and Specifications for Substitute Forms 1096, 1098, 1099, 5498, and Certain Other Information Returns.

26 CFR 601.602: Forms and instructions. (Also Part 1, Sections 170, 220, 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A, 457(b), 529, 529A, 530, 853A, 1441, 6041A, 6042, 6043, 6044, 60645, 6047, 6049, 6050A, 6050B, 6050D, 6050E, 6050H, 6050J, 6050N, 6050P, 6050Q, 6050R, 6050S, 6050W, 1.401(a)(9), 1.408-5, 1.408-7, 1.408A-7, 1.529A-7, 1.1441-1 through 1.1441-5, 1.6041-1, 7.6041-1, 1.6042-2, 1.6042-4, 1.6044-2, 1.6044-5, 1.6045-1, 1.6045-2, 1.6045-4, 1.6047-1, 1.6047-2, 1.6049-4, 1.6049-6, 1.6049-7, 1.6050A-1, 1.6050B-1, 1.6050D-1, 1.6050E-1, 1.6050H-1, 1.6050H-2, 1.6050J-1T, 1.60850N-1, 1.6050P-1, 1.6050W-1, 1.6050W-2)

                          TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this revenue procedure to set forth the 2016 requirements for:

• Using official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms to file information returns with the IRS,

• Preparing acceptable substitutes of the official IRS forms to file information returns with the IRS, and

• Using official or acceptable substitute forms to furnish information to recipients.

This revenue procedure contains specifications for these information returns:

 Form           Title

For purposes of this revenue procedure, a substitute form or statement is one that is not published by the IRS. For a substitute form or statement to be acceptable to the IRS, it must conform to the official form or the specifications outlined in this revenue procedure. Do not submit any substitute forms or statements listed above to the IRS for approval. Privately published forms may not state, "This is an IRS approved form."

Filers making payments to certain recipients during a calendar year are required by the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) to file information returns with the IRS for these payments. These filers must also provide this information to their recipients. In some cases, this also applies to payments received. See Part 4 for specifications that apply to recipient statements (generally Copy B).

In general, section 6011 of the Code contains requirements for filers of information returns. A filer must file information returns electronically or on paper. A filer who is required to file 250 or more information returns of any one type during a calendar year must file those returns electronically.

Caution. Beginning January 1, 2014, financial institutions that are required to report payments made under chapters 3 or 4 must file Forms 1042-S electronically, regardless of the number of forms to file.

Note. If you file electronically, do not file the same returns on paper.

Although not required, small volume filers (fewer than 250 returns during a calendar year) may file the forms electronically. See the requirements for filing information returns (and providing a copy to a payee) in the 2016 General Instructions for Certain Information Returns and the 2016 Instructions for Form 1042-S. In addition, see the current revision of Publication 1220, Specifications for Electronic Filing of Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G, for electronic filing through the IRS FIRE system.

1.1.4 For More Information

The IRS prints and provides the forms on which various payments must be reported. See Section 5.3, later, for ordering forms and instructions. Alternatively, filers may prepare substitute copies of these IRS forms and use such forms to report payments to the IRS.

• The Internal Revenue Service/Information Returns Branch (IRS/I.R.B.) maintains a centralized customer service call site to answer questions related to information returns (Forms W-2, W-3, W-2c, W-3c, 1099 series, 1096, etc.). You can reach the call site at 1-866-455-7438 (toll-free) or outside the U.S. 304-263-8700 (not a toll-free number). Persons with a hearing or speech disability with access to TTY/TDD equipment can call 304-579-4827 (not a toll-free number). You may also send questions to the call site via the Internet at mccirp@irs.gov. Note. IRS/I.R.B. does not process information returns which are filed on paper forms. See Publication 1220, Specifications for Electronic Filing of Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G, for information on waivers and extensions of time.

• For other tax information related to business returns or accounts, call 1-800-829-4933. Persons with hearing or speech disabilities with access to TTY/TDD equipment can call 1-800-829-4059 to ask tax account questions or to order forms and publications.

1.1.5 What's New

The following changes have been made to this year's revenue procedure.

Online fillable forms. Due to the very low volume of paper Forms 1099-CAP, 1099-LTC, 1099-SA, 3922, 5498-ESA, and 5498-SA received and processed by the IRS each year, these forms have been converted to online fillable formats. We are removing these forms (Copy A) from the Exhibits in Part 6. We have added a new section in Part 2 titled Online fillable forms specifically regarding these and the 2 other new online fillable forms, Forms 1099-QA and 5498-QA. The instructions for substitute Form 1042-S, also an online fillable form, are found in Part 5.

New Forms 1099-QA and 5498-QA. Public Law 113-295, Division B, the Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014, allows individuals and families to save for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence, and quality of life by establishing an ABLE savings account. Form 1099-QA, Distributions from ABLE Accounts, and Form 5498-QA, ABLE Account Contribution Information, and their separate instructions will provide the necessary information for reporting distributions from and contributions to ABLE accounts.

Form 1098. Form 1098 has increased in size from 3-to-a-page to 2-to-a-page due to increased reporting requirements.

Form 1099-B. A new checkbox was added to this form to identify an FFI or U.S. payer filng this form to satisfy its chapter 4 reporting requirement. An additional checkbox was added to box 2 for situations in which some of a taxpayer's gain or loss may be ordinary rather than capital. Reporting requirements for wash sales, accrued market discount, and collectibles have been changed.

Forms 1099-INT and 1099-OID. New boxes were added to these forms for reporting bond premium.

Form 1099-MISC. This form must be filed on or before January 31, 2017, when reporting nonemployee compensation payments in box 7. Otherwise, file by February 28, 2017, if filing on paper, or by March 31, 2017, if filing electronically.

Form 1099-R. A new checkbox was added to this form to identify an FFI or U.S. payer filing this form to satisfy its chapter 4 reporting requirement.

Form 1042-S, Withholding agent's status codes and payer status code. Beginning in 2016, withholding agents must enter both a chapter 3 and chapter 4 status code regardless of the type of payment being made. A payer must include its chapter 3 and chapter 4 status codes in boxes 16d and 16e.

Electronic filing requirement for financial institutions. Beginning January 1, 2014, financial institutions that are required to report payments made under chapter 3 or 4 must electronically file Forms 1042-S (regardless of the number of forms to file).

See the 2016 Instructions for Form 1042-S for more information.

Exhibits. All of the exhibits in this publication were updated to include all of the 2016 revisions of those forms that have been revised.

All of the exhibits in this publication were updated to include all of the 2016 revisions of those forms that have been revised.

Editorial changes. We made editorial changes throughout, including updated references. Redundancies were eliminated as much as possible.

Section 1.2 -- Definitions

1.2.1 Form Recipient

Form recipient means the person to whom you are required by law to furnish a copy of the official form or information statement. The form recipient may be referred to by different names on various Forms 1099 and related forms (" beneficiary," "borrower," "debtor," "donor," "employee," "homeowner", "insured," "participant," "payee," "payer/borrower," "policyholder, " "shareholder," "student," "transferor," or, in the case of Form W-2G, the "winner"). See Section 1.3.4.

1.2.2 Filer

Filer means the person or organization required by law to file with the IRS a form listed in Section 1.1.2 with the IRS. As outlined earlier, a filer may be a payer, creditor, payment settlement entity, recipient of mortgage or student loan interest payments, educational institution, broker, barter exchange, person reporting real estate transactions; trustee or issuer of any educational savings account, individual retirement arrangement or medical savings account; lender who acquires an interest in secured property or who has reason to know that the property has been abandoned, corporation reporting a change in control and capital structure or transfer of stock to an employee, or certain donees of motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes.

1.2.3 Substitute Form

Substitute form means a paper substitute of Copy A of an official form listed in Section 1.1.2 that totally conforms to the provisions in this revenue procedure.

1.2.4 Substitute Form Recipient Statement (recipient statement)

Substitute form recipient statement means a paper statement of the information reported on a form listed in Section 1.1.2. This statement must be furnished to a person (form recipient), as defined under the applicable provisions of the Code and the applicable regulations.

1.2.5 Composite Substitute Statement

Composite substitute statement means one in which two or more required statements (for example, Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV) are furnished to the recipient on one document. However, each statement must be designated separately and must contain all the requisite Form 1099 information except as provided under Section 4.2. A composite statement may not be filed with the IRS.

Section 1.3 -- General Requirements for Acceptable Substitute Forms 1096, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, and 1042-S

1.3.1 Introduction

Paper substitutes for Form 1096 and Copy A of Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, and 1042-S that totally conform to the specifications listed in this revenue procedure may be privately printed and filed as returns with the IRS. The reference to the Department of the Treasury-Internal Revenue Service should be included on all such forms.

If you are uncertain of any specification and want it clarified, you may submit a letter citing the specification, stating your understanding and interpretation of the specification, and enclosing an example of the form (if appropriate) to:

You may also contact the Substitute Forms Program via e-mail at substituteforms@irs.gov. Please enter "Substitute Forms" on the Subject Line.

Forms 1096, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, and 1042-S are subject to annual review and possible change. Therefore, filers are cautioned against overstocking supplies of privately printed substitutes.

1.3.2 Logos, Slogans, and Advertisements

Some Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, and 1042-S that include logos, slogans and advertisements may not be recognized as important tax documents. A payee may not recognize the importance of the payee copy for tax reporting purposes due to the use of logos, slogans, and advertisements. Thus, the IRS has determined that logos, slogans and advertising will not be allowed on Forms 1096 or Copy A of Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, 1042-S, or any payee copies, with the following exceptions:

• The exact name of the payer, broker, or agent, primary trade name, trademark, service mark, or symbol of the payer, broker, or agent, an embossment or watermark on the information return and payee copies that is a representation of the name, a primary trade name, trademark, service mark, or symbol of the payer, broker, or agent,

• Presented in any typeface, font, stylized fashion, or print color normally used by the payer, broker, or agent, and used in a non-intrusive manner, and

• As long as these items do not materially interfere with the ability of the recipient to recognize, understand, and use the tax information on the payee copies.

The information return and payee copies must clearly identify the payer's name associated with its employer identification number.

Logos and slogans, may be used on permissible enclosures, such as a check or account statement, other than information returns and payee copies.

As indicated in Sections 1.3.1 and 5.1.3, of this revenue procedure, Forms 1096, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, and 1042-S are subject to annual review and possible change. If you have comments about the restrictions on including logos, slogans, and advertising on information returns and payee copies, send or email your comments to:

Proposed substitutes of Copy A must be exact replicas of the official IRS form with respect to layout and content. Proposed substitutes for Copy A that do not conform to the specifications in this revenue procedure are not acceptable. Further, if you file such forms with the IRS, you may be subject to a penalty for failure to file a correct information return under section 6721 of the Code. The amount of the penalty is based on when you file the correct information return. The amount of the penalty is shown next.

• $50 per information return if you correctly file within 30 days (by March 30 if the due date is February 28); maximum penalty $532,000 per year ($186,000 for small businesses).

• $100 per information return if you correctly file more than 30 days after the due date but by August 1; maximum penalty $1,596,500 per year ($532,000 for small businesses).

• $260 per information return if you file after August 1 or you do not file required information returns; maximum penalty $3,193,000 per year ($1,064,000 for small businesses).

Copy B and Copy C of the following forms must contain the information in Part 4 to be considered a "statement" or "official form" under the applicable provisions of the Code. The format of this information is at the discretion of the filer with the exception of the location of the tax year, form number, form name, and the information for composite Form 1099 statements as outlined under Section 4.2.

Copy B, of the forms below, are for the following recipients.

 Form                     Recipient

2.1.1 Online Fillable Forms

Due to the very low volume of paper Forms 1099-CAP, 1099-LTC, 1099-SA, 3922, 5498-ESA, and 5498-SA received and processed by the IRS each year, these forms have been converted to an online fillable format. New Forms 1099-QA and 5498-QA are also in an online fillable format. Note. The instructions for substitute Forms 1042-S, also an online fillable format, are found separately in Part 5.

The Copy A of the Forms 1099-CAP, 1099-LTC, 1099-SA, 3922, 5498-ESA, and 5498-SA has been removed from the Exhibits in Part 6. These forms in their fillable format, as well as Forms 1099-QA, 5498-QA and 1042-S, can be found at www.irs.gov under the Forms and Pubs tab.

All the instructions regarding the substitute forms found in Part I, sections 2.1.2, 2.1.7, 2.1.9, and 2.1.10, and the remainder of this publication, unless specified differently immediately below, remain in effect if you are going to produce the online fillable forms as paper or online substitute forms.

• Copy A of privately printed substitutes of the forms listed above must be exact replicas of the official forms with respect to layout and content. Use the official form, found on IRS.gov, printed actual size on an 8 1/2" by 11" sheet of paper. The forms will print one to a page.

• All printing must be in high quality non-gloss black ink.

• Paper for Copy A must be white chemical wood bond, or equivalent, 20 pound (basis 17 x 22-500), plus or minus 5 percent; or offset book paper, 50 pound (basis 25 x 38-500). No optical brighteners may be added to the pulp or paper during manufacture. The paper must consist of principally bleached chemical wood pulp or recycled printed paper. It also must be suitably sized to accept ink without feathering.

Form identifying numbers (for example, 9191 for Form 1099-DIV) must be printed in nonreflective black carbon-based ink in print positions 15 through 19 using an OCR A font. The check boxes to the right of the form identifying numbers must be 10-point boxes. The "VOID" checkbox is in print position 25 (1.9" from left vertical line of the form). The "CORRECTED" check box is in print position 33 (2.7" from left vertical line of the form). Measurements are generally from the left edge of the paper, not including the perforated strip.

The substitute form Copy A must be an exact replica of the official IRS form with respect to layout and content. To determine the correct form measurements, see Exhibits A through EE at the end of this publication.

Hot wax and cold carbon spots are not permitted on any of the internal form plies. These spots are permitted on the back of a mailer top envelope ply.

Use of chemical transfer paper for Copy A is acceptable.

The Government Printing Office (GPO) symbol must be deleted.

2.1.3 Color and Paper v

Color and paper quality for Copy A (cut sheets and continuous pinfeed forms) as specified by JCP Code 0-25, dated November 29, 1978, must be white 100% bleached chemical wood, optical character recognition (OCR) bond produced in accordance with the following specifications.

Note. Reclaimed fiber in any percentage is permitted provided the requirements of this standard are met.

 Acidity: Ph value, average, not less than              4.5

Chemical transfer paper is permitted for Copy A only if the following standards are met:

• Only chemically backed paper is acceptable for Copy A. Front and back chemically treated paper cannot be processed properly by machine.

• Carbon-coated forms are not permitted.

• Chemically transferred images must be black.

2.1.5 Printing

All print on Copy A of Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and the print on Form 1096 above the statements, "Return this entire page to the Internal Revenue Service. Photo copies are not acceptable." must be in Flint J-6983 red OCR dropout ink or an exact match. However, the four-digit form identifying number must be in nonreflective carbon-based black ink in OCR A font.

The shaded areas of any substitute form should generally correspond to the format of the official form.

The printing for the Form 1096 statement and the following text may be in any shade or tone of black ink. Black ink should only appear on the lower part of the reverse side of Form 1096, where it will not bleed through and interfere with scanning.

Note. The instructions on the front and back of Form 1096, which include filing addresses, must be printed.

Separation between fields must be 0.1 inch.

Other printing requirements are discussed in Sections 2.1.5 through 2.1.9.

2.1.6 OCR Specifications

You must initiate or have a quality control program to assure OCR ink density. Readings will be made when printed on approved 20 lb. white OCR bond with a reflectance of not less than 80%. Black ink must not have a reflectance greater than 15%. These readings are based on requirements of the "Scan-Optics Series 9000" Optical Scanner using Flint J-6983 red OCR dropout ink or an exact match.

The following testers and ranges are acceptable:

Important information: The forms produced under these specifications must be guaranteed to function properly when processed through High Speed Scan-Optics 9000 mm scanners. Forms require precision spacing, printing, and trimming.

Density readings on the solid J-6983 (red) must be between the ranges of 0.95 to 0.90. The optimal scanning range is 0.93. Density readings on the solid black must be between the ranges of 112 to 108. The optimal scanning range is 110.

Note. The readings are taken using an Ex-Rite 500 series densitometer, in Status T with Obsolute or -- paper setting under an Illuminate 5000 Kelvin Watt Light. You must maintain print contrast specification of ink and densitometer reflectivity reading throughout entire production run.

• MacBeth PCM-II. The tested Print Contrast Signal (PCS) values when using the MacBeth PCM-II tester on the "C" scale must range from .01 minimum to .06 maximum.

• Kidder 082A. The tested PCS values when using the Kidder 082A tester on the Infra Red (IR) scale must range from .12 minimum to .21 maximum. White calibration disc must be 100%. Sensitivity must be set at one (1).

• Alternative testers must be approved by the IRS to establish tested PCS values. You may obtain approval by writing to the following address:

•  

  Commissioner of Internal Revenue

   

  Attn: SE:W:CAR:MP:P:TP

   

  Business Publishing -- Tax Products

   

  5000 Ellin Road

   

  Lanham, MD 20706

   

Type must be substantially identical in size and shape to the official form. All rules are either 1/2-point or 3/4-point. Rules must be identical to those on the official IRS form.

Note. The form identifying number must be nonreflective carbon-based black ink in OCR A font.

2.1.8 Dimensions

Generally, three copies A of Forms 1098, 1099, 3921, and 3922 are contained on a single page, 8 inches wide (without any snap-stubs and/or pinfeed holes) by 11 inches deep.

Exceptions. Forms 1097-BTC, 1098-Q, 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-K, 1099-MISC, 1099-OID, 1099-R, 5498, contain two documents per page. Form 1098-C and 1042-S are a single page documents.

There is a .33 inch top margin from the top of the corrected box, and a .2 to .25 inch right margin, with a +/- 1/20 (0.05) inch tolerance for the right margin. If the right and top margins are properly aligned, the left margin for all forms will be correct. All margins must be free of print. See Exhibits A through Y in this revenue procedure for correct form measurements.

These measurements are constant for certain Forms 1098, 1099, and 5498. These measurements are shown only once in this publication, on Form 1098-E (Exhibit E). Exceptions to these measurements and form-specific measurements are shown on the rest of the exhibits.

The depth of the individual trim size of each form on a page must be 3 2/3 inches, the same depth as the official form, or otherwise indicated.

Exceptions. The depth of Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1098-Q, 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-K, 1099-MISC, 1099-OID, 1099-R, and 5498 is 5-1/2 inches.

2.1.9 Perforation

Copy A (three per page and two per page) of privately printed continuous substitute forms must be perforated at each 11 page depth. No perforations are allowed between forms on the Copy A page.

Exception: Copy A of Form W-2G may be perforated.

The words "Do Not Cut or Separate Forms on This Page" must be printed in red dropout ink (as required by form specifications) between the three or two forms per page. This statement should not be included after the last form on the page.

Separations are required between all the other individual copies (Copies B and C, and Copies 1 and 2 of Forms 1099 B, 1099-DIV, 1099-G, 1099-INT, 1099-K, 1099-MISC, 1099-OID, 1099-R, and copy D for Forms 1099-LTC, 1099-R, and 1042-S) in the set. Any recipient copies printed on a single sheet of paper must be easily separated. The best method of separation is to provide perforations between the individual copies. Each copy should be easily distinguished whatever method of separation is used.

Note. Perforation does not apply to printouts of copies that are furnished electronically to recipients (as described in Regulations section 31.6051-1(k)).

However, these recipients should be cautioned to carefully separate any copies. See Section 4.6.1, later, for information on electronically furnishing statements to recipients.

2.1.10 Required Inclusions/Exclusions

You must include the OMB Number on Copies A and Form 1096 in the same location as on the official form.

The following Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice phrases must be printed on Copy A of the forms as follows. It also must be printed on the copy of the form (C, D, or E) retained by the filer.

• "For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the current version of the General Instructions for Certain Information Returns" on Forms 3921 and 3922;

• "For more information and the Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the 2016 General Instructions for Certain Information Returns" on Form 1096;

• "For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see instructions" on Form 1042-S; and

• "For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the 2016 General Instructions for Certain Information Returns" must be printed on all other forms listed in Section 1.1.2.

• It is printed in the OCR ink color prescribed for the form, and

• No part of the indicia is within one print position of the scannable area.

The Catalog Number (Cat. No.) shown on the forms is used for IRS distribution purposes and should not be printed on any substitute forms.

The form must not contain the statement "IRS approved" or any similar statement.

Section 2.2 -- Instructions for Preparing Paper Forms That Will Be Filed With the IRS

2.2.1 Recipient Information

The form recipient's name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, and telephone number (if required) should be typed or machine printed in black ink in the same format as shown on the official IRS form. The city, state, and ZIP code must be on the same line.

The following rules apply to the form recipient's name(s):

• The name of the appropriate form recipient must be shown on the first or second name line in the area provided for the form recipient's name.

• No descriptive information or other name may precede the form recipient's name.

• Only one form recipient's name may appear on the first name line of the form.

• If multiple recipients' names are required on the form, enter on the first name line the recipient name that corresponds to the recipient taxpayer identification number (TIN) shown on the form. Place the other form recipients' names on the second name line (only 2 name lines are allowable).

• Trust's employer identification number (EIN) in the recipient's TIN area,

• Trust's name on the recipient's first name line, and

• Name of the trustee on the recipient's second name line.

Truncating payee identification number on payee statements. Where permitted, filers may truncate a payee's identification number (SSN, ITIN, ATIN, or EIN) on the payee statement (including substitute and composite substitute statements) furnished to the payee in paper form or electronically. Generally, the payee statement is that copy of an information return designated "Copy B" on the form. To truncate where allowed, replace the first 5 digits of the 9-digit number with asterisks (*) or Xs (for example, an SSN xxx-xx-xxxx would appear on the paper payee statement as * * *-* *-xxxx or XXX-XX-xxxx). See Treasury Decision 9675, 2014-31 I.R.B. 242, available at www.irs.gov/irb/2014-31_I.R.B./ar07.html.

Caution. Recipient TINs must not be truncated on Copy A filed with the IRS.

2.2.2 Account Number Box

Use the account number box on all Forms 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G for an account number designation when required by the official IRS form. The account number is required if you have multiple accounts for a recipient for whom you are filing more than one information return of the same type. Additionally, the IRS encourages you to include the recipients' account numbers on paper forms if your system of records uses the account number rather than the name or TIN for identification purposes. Also, the IRS will include the account number in future notices to you about backup withholding. If you are using window envelopes to mail statements to recipients and using reduced rate mail, be sure the account number does not appear in the window. The Postal Service may not accept these for reduced rate mail.

Exception. Form 1098-T can have third-party provider information.

2.2.3 Specifications and Restrictions

• Machine-printed forms should be printed using a 6 lines/inch option, and should be printed in 10 pitch pica (10 print positions per inch) or 12 pitch elite (12 print positions per inch). Proportional spaced fonts are unacceptable.

• Substitute forms prepared in continuous or strip form must be burst and stripped to conform to the size specified for a single sheet before they are filed with the IRS. The size specified does not include pin feed holes. Pin feed holes must not be present on forms filed with the IRS.

• Do not use a felt tip marker. The machine used to "read" paper forms generally cannot read this ink type.

• Do not use dollar signs ($), ampersands (&), asterisks (*), commas (,), or other special characters in the numbered money boxes. Exception. Use decimal points to indicate dollars and cents (for example, 2000.00 is acceptable).

• Do not use apostrophes ('), asterisks (*), or other special characters on the payee name line.

• Do not fold Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, or 5498 mailed to the IRS. Mail these forms flat in an appropriately sized envelope or box. Folded documents cannot be readily moved through the machine used in IRS processing.

• Do not staple Forms 1096 to the transmitted returns. Any staple holes near the return code number may impair the IRS's ability to machine scan the type of documents.

• Do not type other information on Copy A.

• Do not cut or separate the individual forms on the sheet of forms of Copy A (except Forms W-2G).

Mail completed paper forms to the IRS service center shown in the Instructions for Form 1096 and in the 2016 General Instructions for Certain Information Returns. Specific information needed to complete the forms mentioned in this revenue procedure are given in the specific form instructions. A chart showing which form must be filed to report a particular payment is included in the 2016 General Instructions for Certain Information Returns.

3.1.1 Purpose

The following specifications give the format requirements for substitute Form W-2G (Copy A only), which is filed with the IRS.

A filer may use a substitute Form W-2G to file with the IRS (referred to as "substitute Copy A"). The substitute form must be an exact replica of the official form with respect to layout and content.

Section 3.2 -- Specifications for Copy A of Form W-2G

3.2.1 Substitute Form W-2G (Copy A)

You must follow these specifications when printing substitute Copy A of the Form W-2G.

Caution. The payee's TIN (SSN, ITIN, ATIN, or EIN) must not be truncated on Form W2-G.

 Item                     Substitute Form W-2G (Copy A)

4.1.1 Introduction

If you do not use the official IRS form to furnish statements to recipients, you must furnish an acceptable substitute statement. Information presented in substitute statements should be in a point size large enough to be easily read by recipients. To be acceptable, your substitute statement must comply with the rules in this Part. If you are furnishing a substitute form, see Regulations sections 1.6042-4, 1.6044-5, 1.6049-6, and 1.6050N-1 to determine how the following statements must be provided to recipients for most Forms 1099-DIV and 1099-INT, all Forms 1099-OID and 1099-PATR, and Form 1099-MISC or 1099-S for royalties. Generally, information returns may be furnished electronically with the consent of the recipient. See Section 4.6.1.

Note. A trustee of a grantor-type trust may choose to file Forms 1099 and furnish a statement to the grantor under Regulations sections 1.671-4(b)(2)(iii) and (b)(3)(ii). The statement required by those regulations is not subject to the requirements outlined in this section.

4.1.2 Substitute Statements to Recipients for Certain Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-OID and 1099-PATR

The rules in this section apply to Form 1099-B, 1099-DIV (except for section 404(k) dividends), 1099-INT (except for interest reportable under section 6041), 1099-OID, and 1099-PATR only. You may furnish form recipients with Copy B of the official Form 1099 or a substitute Form 1099 (form recipient statement) if it contains the same information as the official IRS form (such as aggregate amounts paid to the form recipient, any backup withholding, the name, address, and TIN of the person making the return, and any other information required by the official form). Information not required by the official form should not be included on the substitute form except for state income tax withholding information.

Note. Many of the information returns now include boxes for providing state withholding information as part of the official form, with additional copies for convenience. payers may, however, provide the state withholding information separately (such as on a separate page or section) in order to assist the payee with completing a state income tax return that requires the attachment of any information return that includes state withholding amounts and payer numbers.

Exception for supplementary information. The substitute form may include supplementary information that will assist the payee with completing his or her tax return. Such information could include expense and cost basis factors related to the reporting for widely held fixed investment trusts (WHFITs), as required under Regulation section 1.671-5. The substitute statement should disclose to the payee that such supplementary information is not furnished to the IRS. See Section 4.3 for additional requirements when providing supplemental information with the Form 1099-B that is not furnished to the IRS.

Form 1099-B. For transactions reportable on Form 8949, brokers that use substitute statements should segregate dispositions of noncovered securities from covered securities, and further segregate long-term and short-term dispositions of covered securities. They may also segregate long-term from short-term dispositions of noncovered securities, to the extent that date acquired is known. For 2016 dispositions, the substitute Forms 1099-B may have up to five separate sections, each with a heading identifying which securities are included in the list, and each separately totaled. Each section, after totaling or within the heading for the section, should indicate how to report the transactions on Form 8949, as indicated.

For 2016 dispositions, each of the applicable sections must have Sales Price and Cost or Other Basis (if known) separately totaled. Net gain or loss, if included for any of the sections, may also be totaled.

Brokers may also use substitute Form 1099-B for transactions that are not directly reported on Form 8949. Examples include transactions involving regulated futures contracts, foreign currency contracts, and section 1256 option contracts. Any additional sections created for this purpose should be segregated from those transactions reportable on Form 8949.

The substitute form requirements in the following paragraphs also apply to Form 1099-B.

To be acceptable, a substitute recipient statement must meet the following requirements.

• The tax year, form number, and form name must be the same as the official form and must be displayed prominently together in one area on the statement. For example, they may be shown in the upper right part of the statement.

• The statement must contain the same information as the official IRS form, such as aggregate amounts paid to the form recipient, any backup withholding, the name, address, and TIN of the filer and of the recipient, and any other information required by the official form.

• Each substitute recipient statement for Forms W-2G, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1098-C, 1098-E, 1098-T, 1099-A, 1099-C, 1099-CAP, 1099-DIV, 1099-G (excluding state and local income tax refunds), 1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-LTC, 1099-MISC (excluding fishing boat proceeds), 1099-Q, 1099-R (for qualified long-term care insurance contracts under combined arrangements only), 1099-S, 1099-SA, and 5498-SA must include the direct access telephone number of an individual who can answer questions about the statement.

• Include the telephone number conspicuously anywhere on the recipient statement. Although not required, payers reporting on 1099-QA, Forms 1099-R (payments other than qualified long-term care insurance contracts under combined arrangements), 3921, 3922, 5498, 5498-ESA, and 5498-QA are encouraged to furnish telephone numbers at which recipients of the forms(s) can reach a person familiar with information reported. applicable labels and arrangement of assembly of forms. Note. Do not include the words "Substitute for" or "In lieu of" on the recipient statement.

• Layout and format of the statement is at the discretion of the filer. However, the IRS encourages the use of boxes so that the statement has the appearance of a form and can be easily distinguished from othernon-tax statements.

• Each recipient statement of Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-OID, and 1099-PATR must include the direct access telephone number of an individual who can answer questions about the statement. Include that telephone number conspicuously anywhere on the recipient statement.

You may enter a total of the individual accounts listed on the statement only if they have been paid by the same payer. For example, if you are listing interest paid on several accounts by one financial institution on Form 1099-INT, you may also enter the total interest amount. You may also enter a date next to the corrected box if that box is checked.

4.1.3 Substitute Statements to Recipients for Certain Forms 1098, 1099, 5498, and W-2G

Statements to form recipients for Forms 1097-BTC, 1098, 1098-C, 1098-E, 1098-MA, 1098-Q, 1098-T, 1099-A, 1099-C, 1099-CAP, 1099-G, 1099-K, 1099-LTC, 1099-MISC, 1099-Q, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1099-SA, 3921, 3922, 5498, 5498-ESA, 5498-SA, W-2G, 1099-DIV (only for section 404(k) dividends reportable under section 6047), and 1099-INT (only for interest of $600 or more made in the course of a trade or business reportable under section 6041) can be copies of the official forms or an acceptable substitute.

Caution. The IRS does not require a donee to use Form 1098-C as the written acknowledgment for contributions of motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes. However, if you choose to use copies of Form 1098-C or an acceptable substitute as the written acknowledgment, then you must follow the requirements of this Section 4.1.3.

To be acceptable, a substitute form recipient statement must meet the following requirements.

• The tax year, form number, and form name must be the same as the official form and must be displayed prominently together in one area on the statement. For example, they may be shown in the upper right part of the statement.

• The statement must contain the same information as the official IRS form, such as aggregate amounts paid to the form recipient, any backup withholding, the name, address, and TIN of the filer and of the recipient, and any other information required by the official form.

• Each substitute recipient statement for Forms W-2G, 1097-BTC, 1098, 1098-C, 1098-E, 1098-T, 1099-A, 1099-C, 1099-CAP, 1099-DIV, 1099-G (excluding state and local income tax refunds), 1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-LTC, 1099-MISC (excluding fishing boat proceeds), 1099-Q, 1099-S, 1099-SA, and 5498-SA must include the direct access telephone number of an individual who can answer questions about the statement.

• Include the telephone number conspicuously anywhere on the recipient statement. Although not required, payers reporting on Forms 1099-R, 3921, 3922, 5498, and 5498-ESA are encouraged to furnish telephone numbers at which recipients of the forms(s) can reach a person familiar with information reported.

• All applicable money amounts and information, including box numbers, required to be reported to the form recipient must be titled on the form recipient statement in substantially the same manner as those on the official IRS form. The box caption "Federal income tax withheld" must be in boldface type on the form recipient statement.

Note. You cannot make this change on Copy A.

• If federal income tax is withheld and shown on Form 1099-R or W-2G, Copy B and Copy C must be furnished to the recipient. If federal income tax is not withheld, only Copy C of Form 1099-R and W-2G must be furnished. However, for Form 1099-R, instructions similar to those on the back of the official Copy B and Copy C of Form 1099-R must be furnished to the recipient. For convenience, you may choose to provide both Copies B and C of Form 1099-R to the recipient.

• You must provide appropriate instructions to the form recipient similar to those on the official IRS form, to aid in the proper reporting on the form recipients income tax return. For payments reported on Forms 1099-B, and 1099-CAP, the requirement to include instructions substantially similar to those on the official IRS form may be satisfied by providing form recipients with a single set of instructions for all Forms 1099-B and 1099-CAP statements required to be furnished in a calendar year.

• If you use carbonless sets to produce recipient statements, the quality of each copy in the set must meet the following standards:

•  

  1. All copies must be clearly legible,

  2. All copies must be able to be photocopied, and

  3. Fading must not diminish legibility and the ability to photocopy.

• In general, black chemical transfer inks are preferred, but other colors are permitted if the above standards are met. Hot wax and cold carbon spots are not permitted on any of the internal form plies. The back of a mailer top envelope ply may contain these spots.

• You may use a Settlement Statement (under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA)) for Form 1099-S. The Settlement Statement is acceptable as the written statement to the transferor if you include the legend for Form 1099-S found in Section 4.4.2 and indicate which information on the Settlement Statement is being reported to the IRS on Form 1099-S.

• For reporting state income tax withholding and state payments, you may add an additional box(es) to recipient copies as appropriate. In addition, the state withholding information may be provided separate and apart from the other information in the event the recipient must attach a copy to the recipient's tax return. Note. You cannot make this change on Copy A.

• On Copy C of Form 1099-LTC, you may reverse the location of the policyholder's and the insured's name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code for easier mailing.

• If an institution insurer uses a third party service provider to file Form 1098-T, then in addition to the institution or insurers name, address, and telephone number, the same information may be included for the third party service provider in the space provided on the form.

• Forms 1099-A and 1099-C transactions, if related, may be combined on Form 1099-C.

4.2.1 Composite Substitute Statements for Certain Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-MISC, 1099-OID, 1099-PATR and 1099-S

A composite form recipient statement is permitted for reportable payments consisting of the proceeds of brokerage and barter transactions, dividends, interest, original issue discount, patronage dividends, and royalties. The following forms may be included on a composite substitute statement, when one payer is reporting more than one of these payments during a calendar year to the same form recipient.

• Form 1099-B.

• Form 1099-DIV (except for section 404(k) dividends).

• Form 1099-INT (except for interest reportable under section 6041).

• Form 1099-MISC (only for royalties or substitute payments in lieu of dividends and interest).

• Form 1099-OID.

• Form 1099-PATR.

• Form 1099-S (only for royalties).

Although the composite form recipient statement may be on one sheet, the format of the composite form recipient statement must satisfy the following requirements in addition to the requirements listed earlier in Section 4.1.2, 4.3 and 4.4, as applicable.

• All information pertaining to a particular type of payment must be located and blocked together on the form and separate from any information covering other types of payments included on the form. For example, if you are reporting interest and dividends, the Form 1099-INT information must be presented separately from the Form 1099-DIV information.

• The composite form recipient statement must prominently display the form number and form name of the official IRS form together in one area at the beginning of each appropriate block of information. The tax year must only be placed on each block of information if it is not prominently displayed elsewhere on the page on which the information appears.

• Any information required by the official IRS forms that would otherwise be repeated in each information block is required to be listed only once in the first information block on the composite form. For example, there is no requirement to report the name of the filer in each information block. This rule does not apply to any money amounts (for example, federal income tax withheld) or to any other information that applies to money amounts.

• A composite statement is an acceptable substitute only if the type of payment and the recipient's tax obligation with respect to the payment are as clear as if each required statement were furnished separately on an official form.

A composite recipient statement for the forms specified in Section 4.1.3 is permitted when one filer is reporting more than one type of payment during a calendar year to the same form recipient. A composite statement is not allowed for a combination of forms listed in Section 4.1.3 and forms listed in Section 4.1.2.

Exceptions:

• Substitute payments in lieu of dividends or interest reported in Box 8 of Form 1099-MISC may be reported on a composite substitute statement with Form 1099-DIV.

• Form 1099-B information may be reported on a composite form with the forms specified in Section 4.1.2 as described in Section 4.2.1.

• Royalties reported on Form 1099-MISC or 1099-S may be reported on a composite form only with the forms specified in Section 4.1.2.

Section 4.3 -- Additional Information for Substitute and Composite Forms 1099-B

4.3.1 General Requirements for Presenting Additional 1099-B Information

A filer may include Form 1099-B information on a composite form with the forms listed in Section 4.1.2. Therefore, supporting, explanatory, or comparable relevant information for covered and noncovered lots on the 1099-B portion of the composite statement can be included. This information includes display on the payee statement of data elements such as basis for noncovered lots, explanatory remarks on permissible basis adjustments for covered lots descriptions of the type of transaction (merger, buy to close, redemption, etc.), identification of contingent payment debt obligations, and lot relief methods.

If you wish to provide additional information to the investor on the same substitute recipient Form 1099-B, the form must follow the rules set forth in this Section 4.3 and should clearly delineate how the information is presented. Any information presented should make reference to its corresponding number on the official form as appropriate. You should clearly categorize each type of information you are reporting.

4.3.2 Added Legend for Providing Additional 1099-B Information

An additional separate legend is required that explains exactly which pieces of information are and which are not reported to the IRS to the extent, if any, the information is not already identified as not being reported to the IRS as described in Section 4.1.2. It should clearly explain how the information is presented. You may present this legend in a way that is consistent with your design as long as it clearly indicates which information is being provided to the IRS. Additionally, a reminder to taxpayers that they are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of their tax returns is also required.

Section 4.4 -- Required Legends

4.4.1 Required Legends for Forms 1098

Form 1098 recipient statements (Copy B) must contain the following legends:

• Form 1098

• 1. "The information in boxes 1 through 9 is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if the IRS determines that an underpayment of tax results because you overstated a deduction for the mortgage interest or for these points, reported in boxes 1 and 6; or because you did not report the refund of interest (box 4); or because you claimed a non-deductible item."

  2. Caution. "The amount shown may not be fully deductible by you. Limits based on the loan amount and the cost and value of the secured property may apply. Also, you may only deduct interest to the extent it was incurred by you, actually paid by you, and not reimbursed by another person."

• Form 1098-C -- Copy B -- "In order to take a deduction of more than $500 for this contribution, you must attach this copy to your federal tax return. Unless box 5a or 5b is checked, your deduction cannot exceed the amount in box 4c." Copy C -- "This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service unless box 7 is checked."

• Form 1098-E -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if the IRS determines that an underpayment of tax results because you overstated a deduction for student loan interest."

• Form 1098-MA -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service."

• Form 1098-Q -- "This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service."

• Form 1098-T -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service."

• Forms 1099-A, 1099-C, and 1099-CAP: Copy B -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if taxable income results from this transaction and the IRS determines that it has not been reported."

• Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-G, 1099-INT, 1099-K, 1099-MISC, 1099-OID, 1099-PATR, 1099-Q and 1099QA: Copy B -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if this income is taxable and the IRS determines that it has not been reported."

• Form 1099-LTC: Copy B -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if this item is required to be reported and the IRS determines that it has not been reported." Copy C -- "Copy C is provided to you for information only. Only the policyholder is required to report this information on a tax return."

• Form 1099-R: Copy B -- "Report this income on your federal tax return. If this form shows federal income tax withheld in box 4, attach this copy to your return." Copy C -- "This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service."

• Form 1099-S: Copy B -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if this item is required to be reported and the IRS determines that it has not been reported."

• Form 1099-SA: Copy B -- "This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service."

• Form W-2G: Copy B -- "This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. Report this income on your federal tax return. If this form shows federal income tax withheld in box 2, attach this copy to your return." Copy C -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if this income is taxable and the IRS determines that it has not been reported."

Recipient statements for these forms must contain the following legends:

• Form 1097-BTC -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if an amount of tax credit exceeding the amount reported on this form is claimed on your income tax return."

• Form 3921: Copy B -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you are required to file a return, a negligence penalty or other sanction may be imposed on you if this item is required to be reported and the IRS determines that it has not been reported." Copy C -- "This copy should be retained by the corporation whose stock has been transferred under Section 422(b)."

• Form 3922: Copy B -- "This is important tax information and is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service." Copy C -- "This copy should be retained by the corporation."

• Form 5498: Copy B -- "This information is being provided to the Internal Revenue Service." Note. If you do not provide another statement to the participant because no contributions were made for the year, the statement of the fair market value and any required minimum distribution, of the account must contain this legend and a designation of which information is being provided to the IRS.

• Forms 5498-ESA, 5498-QA and 5498-SA: Copy B -- "This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service."

4.5.1 Copies

Copies B, C, and in some cases, D, E, 1, and 2 are included in the official assembly for the convenience of the filer. You are not legally required to include all these copies with the privately printed substitute forms. Furnishing Copies B and, in some cases, C will satisfy the legal requirement to provide statements of information to form recipients.

Note. If an amount of federal income tax withheld is shown on Form 1099-R or W-2G, Copy B (to be attached to the tax return) and Copy C must be furnished to the recipient. Copy D (Forms 1099-R and W-2G) may be used for payer records. Only Copy A should be filed with the IRS.

4.5.2 Arrangement of Assembly

Copy A ("For Internal Revenue Service Center") of all forms must be on top. The rest of the assembly must be arranged, from top to bottom, as follows. For:

 Form                Title

Instructions for perforation of forms can be found in Section 2.1.8, earlier.

Section 4.6 -- Electronic Delivery of Recipient Statements

4.6.1 Electronic Recipient Statements

If you are required to furnish a written statement (Copy B or an acceptable substitute) to a recipient, then you may furnish the statement electronically instead of on paper. This includes furnishing the statement to recipients of Forms 1098, 1098-E, 1098-MA, 1098-Q, 1098-T, 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-C, CAP, DIV, G, H, INT, K, LTC, MISC, OID, PATR, 1099-Q, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1099-SA, 3921, 3922, 5498, 5498-ESA, 5498-QA and 5498-SA. It also includes Form W-2G (except for horse and dog racing, jai alai, sweepstakes, wagering pools, and lotteries).

Note. Until further guidance is issued, you can not furnish Form 1098-C electronically. Perforation (see Section 2.1.8) does not apply to printouts of copies of forms that are furnished electronically to recipients. However, recipients should be cautioned to carefully separate the copies.

If you meet the requirements listed in sections 4.62 and 4.63, you are treated as furnishing the statement timely.

4.6.2 Consent

The recipient must consent in the affirmative and not have withdrawn the consent before the statement is furnished. The consent by the recipient must be made electronically in a way that shows that he or she can access the statement in the electronic format in which it will be furnished. You must notify the recipient of any hardware or software changes prior to furnishing the statement. A new consent to receive the statement electronically is required after the new hardware or software is put into service. Prior to furnishing the statements electronically, you must provide the recipient a statement with the following statements prominently displayed:

• If the recipient does not consent to receive the statement electronically, a paper copy will be provided.

• The scope and duration of the consent. For example, whether the consent applies to every year the statement is furnished or only for the January 31 (February 15 for Forms 1099-B, 1099-S, and 1099-MISC with payments reported in boxes 8 or 14) immediately following the date of the consent.

• How to obtain a paper copy after giving consent.

• How to withdraw the consent. The consent may be withdrawn at any time by furnishing the withdrawal in writing (electronically or on paper) to the person whose name appears on the statement. Confirmation of the withdrawal also will be in writing (electronically or on paper).

• Notice of termination. The notice must state under what conditions the statements will no longer be furnished to the recipient.

• Procedures to update the recipients information.

• A description of the hardware and software required to access, print and retain a statement, and a date the statement will no longer be available on the website.

Additionally, you must:

• Ensure the electronic format contains all the required information and complies with the guidelines in this document.

• Post, on or before the January 31 (February 15 for Forms 1099-B, 1099-S, and 1099-MISC with payments reported in boxes 8 or 14) due date, the applicable statement on a website accessible to the recipient through October 15 of that year.

• Inform the recipient, electronically or by mail, of the posting and how to access and print the statement.

5.1.1 Paper Substitutes

Paper substitutes of Copies A, B, C, and D for Form 1042-S, Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding, that totally conform to the format and size of the official form may be privately printed without prior approval from the Internal Revenue Service.

Note. Copies A, B, C, and D of Form 1042-S may not contain multiple income types for the same recipient, that is, multiple rows of the top boxes 1-11 of the form. Only Copy E, retained by the withholding agent, can contain multiple income types.

5.1.2 Revisions

Form 1042-S is subject to annual review and possible change. Withholding agents and form suppliers are cautioned against overstocking supplies of the privately printed substitutes.

5.1.3 Obtaining Copies

Copies of the official form for the reporting year may be obtained from most Service offices. The Service provides only cut sheets of these forms. Continuous fan-fold/pin-fed forms are not provided.

5.1.4 Instructions For Withholding Agents

Instructions for withholding agents:

• Only original copies may be filed with the Service. Reproductions are not acceptable.

• The term "Recipient's U.S. TIN" for an individual means the social security number (SSN) or IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), consisting of nine digits separated by hyphens as follows: 000-00-0000. For all other recipients, the term means employer identification number (EIN) or qualified intermediary employer identification number (QI-EIN). The QI-EIN designation includes a withholding foreign partnership employer identification number (WP-EIN) and a withholding foreign trust employer identification number (WT-EIN). The EIN and QI-EIN consist of nine digits separated by a hyphen as follows: 00-0000000. The taxpayer identification number (TIN) must be in one of these formats. Note. Digits must be separated by hyphens on paper statements in the formats listed.

• The term "Recipient's GIIN" means the global intermediary identification number assigned to a recipient that is a participating FFI (including a reporting Model 2 FFI), registered deemed-compliant FFI (including a reporting Model 1 FFI), or other entity for chapter 4 purposes. Note. A GIIN consists of nineteen characters as follows: XXXXXX.XXXXX.XX.XXX (6 characters followed by a period, 5 characters followed by a period, 2 characters followed by a period, and 3 final characters).

• Withholding agents are requested to type or machine print whenever possible, provide quality data entries on the forms (that is, use black ink and insert data in the middle of blocks well separated from other printing and guidelines), and take other measures to guarantee a clear, sharp image. Withholding agents are not required, however, to acquire special equipment solely for the purpose of preparing these forms.

• The "AMENDED" and "PRO-RATA BASIS REPORTING" boxes must be printed at the top center of the form under the title and checked, if applicable.

• Substitute forms prepared in continuous or strip form must be burst and stripped to conform to the size specified for a single form before they are filed with the Service. The dimensions are found in Section 5.1.5, following. Computer cards are acceptable provided they meet all requirements regarding layout, content, and size.

 Property                 Substitute Form 1042-S Format Requirements

5.2.1 OMB Requirements

The Paperwork Reduction Act (the Act) of 1995 (Public Law 104-13) requires that:

• OMB approves all IRS tax forms that are subject to the Act. Each IRS form contains (in or near the upper right corner) the OMB approval number, if any. (The official OMB numbers may be found on the official IRS printed forms and are also shown on the forms in the exhibits in Part 6.)

• Each IRS form (or its instructions) states:

• 1. Why the IRS needs the information,

  2. How it will be used, and

  3. Whether or not the information is required to be furnished to the IRS.

5.2.2 Substitute Form Requirements

The OMB requirements for substitute IRS forms are:

• Any substitute form or substitute statement to a recipient must show the OMB number as it appears on the official IRS form.

• For Copy A, the OMB number must appear exactly as shown on the official IRS form.

• For any copy other than Copy A, the OMB number must use one of the following formats.

• 1. OMB No. 1545-xxxx (preferred), or

  2. OMB # 1545-xxxx (acceptable).

5.2.3 Required Explanation to Users

All substitute forms must state the Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice as listed in Section 2.1.9, earlier.

If no instructions are provided to users of your forms, you must furnish them with the exact text of the Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice.

Section 5.3 -- Ordering Forms and Instructions

You can order official IRS Forms (Forms 1096, 1098, 1099, W-2G, 1042S, and most other forms mentioned in this publication), instructions, and information copies of federal tax material by going to www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs/Order-Products.

Note. Some forms on the internet are intended as information only and may not be submitted as an official IRS form (for example, Forms 1099, W-2, and W-3). Form 1096 and Copy A of 1098 series, 1099 series, 5498 series, and Forms 3921 and 3922 cannot be used for filing with the IRS when printed from a conventional printer. These forms contain drop-out ink requirements as described in Part 2 of this publication.

Exception. Forms 1098-MA, 1099-CAP, 1099-LTC, 1099-QA, 1099-SA, 3922, 5498-ESA, 5498-QA, 5498-SA. and 1042-S can be printed in black ink as specified in Sections 2.1.1. and 5.1.5, earlier.

Section 5.4 -- Effect on Other Revenue Procedures

5.4.1 Other Revenue procedures

Revenue Procedure 2015-35, 2015-26, I.R.B. 1142, dated June 29, 2015, is superseded by this revenue procedure.

6.1.1 Purpose

Exhibits A through Y illustrate some of the specifications that were discussed earlier in this revenue procedure. The dimensions apply to the actual size forms, but the exhibits have been reduced in size.

Generally, the illustrated dimensions apply to all like forms. For example, Exhibit E shows 11.00 "from the top edge to the bottom edge of Form 1098 and .85" between the bottom rule of the top form and the top rule of the second form on the page. These dimensions apply to all forms that are printed three to a page.

Exhibit B contains the general measurements for forms printed 2-to-a-page. All 2-to-1-page forms, except Form 1042-S, are 4.5" in height within the border lines. Form 1042-S is 4.25" in height within the border lines. Exhibit E contains the general measurements for forms printed 3-to-a-page. All 3-to-a-page forms are 2.83" in height within the border lines. The printed area of all forms is 7.3" wide.

All of the exhibits in this publication were updated to include all of the 2016 revisions for those forms that have been revised.

6.1.2 Guidelines

Keep in mind the following guidelines when printing substitute forms.

• Closely follow the specifications to avoid delays in processing the forms.

• Always use the specifications as outlined in this revenue procedure and illustrated in the exhibits.

• Do not add the text line "Do Not Cut or Separate Forms on This Page" to the bottom form. This will be inconsistent with the specifications.

The following exhibits provide specifications for the forms listed in the Section 1.1.2. Exhibits A, B, and E contain the general measurements for all of the forms. The remaining exhibits represent the images and may contain unique measurements as required by the form.