Can I File Taxes Without a 1099?

Yes — you're required to report all income whether or not you receive a 1099. If you earned freelance income and your client didn't send a 1099-NEC (because they paid you less than $600, or simply forgot), you still owe tax on that income. Report it on Schedule C using your own records — bank statements, invoices, or payment platform reports. If you're missing a 1099 from a broker or financial institution, you can find the information on your account statements or request a copy from the payer. The IRS matches 1099s to returns, so if a 1099 was filed for you but you didn't report it, you'll likely receive a notice.