1099 Correction

[Swimelar-CPA]

Two 1099s were filed for the same person with different amounts.  If I correct it by zeroing out the amount, how does the IRS know which one to zero out?

[Terry53029]

You can't just zero out a 1099. You should try and get a corrected 1099. If you can't, don't enter any 1099 in program. just add the two and put total income. (that is what the irs expects) then put an offset expense on the schedule C with explanation "incorrect 1099".  

[qbteachmt]

1099-What?

Which box #?

Did the client tell you that both forms don't apply; that only one is the correct amount?

If this is for reportable income, are you already reporting more than that total?

Which form are you preparing?

Or, are you handling the issuance of the 1099-XXX on behalf of a client that issued these to others?

More details are always helpful.

Having two 1099s from the same entity isn't always an error.

[BobKamman]

That's the method to use if you want to make it much more likely that the return will be selected for audit.  IRS examines those with $100,000 income and expenses far higher than the typical return for that industry category, sooner than they look at the ones with $50,000 income and no weird deductions.  (And no, the computer is not going to look at the explanation of "incorrect 1099," or know what it means anyway.  But it will certainly arouse the curiosity of the IRS person making the decision on whether to proceed.)