At AccuTitle, our focus is simple. We help title professionals work smarter, stay compliant, and eliminate headaches. Below are the best practices, updates, and tools you need to navigate 1099-S reporting with confidence in 2026.
1099-S season is here—and with IRS penalties reaching up to $310 per inaccurate or late form, the margin for error is slim. For title professionals juggling closings, compliance, and year-end workloads, January can quickly become overwhelming.
The good news? With the right preparation, smart workflows, and reliable partners, your team can transform 1099-S season from a high-pressure scramble into a streamlined, accurate, and stress-free process.
Why 1099-S Reporting Matters More in 2026
Per IRS regulations, the settlement agent listed on the Closing Disclosure is typically responsible for filing Form 1099-S for reporting sellers’ gross proceeds from real estate transactions.
But 2026 raises the stakes: anyone filing 10 or more information returns must now submit electronically. That means manual workflows, outdated systems, or incomplete data can quickly lead to rejected filings, compliance gaps, and preventable penalties.
Missing tax IDs, inaccurate seller data, and delayed mailings are some of the most common triggers for costly corrections – issues that can be avoided with the right preparation and automation.
2025 Best Practices for a Smooth 1099-S Season
We spoke with title experts, agency leaders, and AccuTitle customers to identify what truly makes 1099 season run smoothly.
Here’s what works:
- Assign a Dedicated 1099-S Lead
This person oversees deadlines, manages data collection, and maintains a year-round plan, so your team is never scrambling in January. Designate a “1099-S quarterback” to manage data collection, oversee deadlines, and maintain a year-round process – so your team avoids the January scramble.
- Collect Seller Information Early
Verify tax IDs, addresses, and exempt status before the closing.
It’s far easier to obtain accurate information during the transaction than weeks afterwards or months later.
- Validate Tax IDs Before Submission
This simple step prevents costly IRS notices and eliminates weeks of corrections. With AccuTitle, tax ID verification is built directly into your workflow.
- Distribute Forms Earlier – Quarterly or at the Table
Avoid the January bottleneck by providing 1099-S forms quarterly or directly at closing. Early distribution gives sellers more time to review accuracy.
- Use a Trusted Reporting Partner Use a Trusted Reporting Partner
A dedicated 1099-S partner – like AccuTitle – can handle reporting, printing, mailing, tax ID verification, and compliance checks, so checks, so your staff can stay focused on closings instead of paperwork.
Key Deadlines for 2025 Transactions (Filed in 2026)
1099-S deadlines don’t follow the January 31 date used for many other 1099 forms, which often leads to confusion—even among experienced processors.
Here’s what you need to know for 2025 real estate transactions:
- February 18, 2026 – Deadline to furnish Copy B to sellers
- March 2, 2026 – Paper filing deadline with the IRS
- March 31, 2026 – Electronic filing deadline with the IRS
What to Look for in 1099-S Reporting Software
A smart, efficient system is your best defense against penalties and manual rework. Look for software that includes:
✔ Complete Data Capture
Every required 1099-S detail stored in dedicated fields accurately and consistently. All required 1099-S fields stored accurately and consistently – reducing E&O exposure and last-minute cleanup
✔ Easy Data Exporting
Seamless transfer of information to your 1099 vendor with no manual re-entry.
✔ Data Validation Including Tax ID Verification
Validation of every data point is key: ensuring data such as zip codes are properly formatted. Most importantly, every vendor should integrate directly for the IRS for tax ID verification.
✔ Integrated IRS e-Filing
Built-in electronic submission that meets 2025 IRS requirements. AccuTitle’s e-filing capabilities ensure your submissions stay fast, accurate, and compliant.
✔ Audit Trail and Submission Tracking
Ability to confirm, review and provide proof of prior filings in case of any issues with transferors or the IRS.
How to Choose the Right 1099-S Reporting Partner
Your vendor should function as a centralized hub for everything 1099-S – minimizing risk and eliminating unnecessary manual steps
Look for:
- Integrated reporting, printing, and mailing Integrated reporting, printing, and mailing
- Automatic error validation before submission
- IRS tax ID verification to prevent corrections
- Full audit trails & confirmation numbers
- Real-time status tracking for every form
Real-world example:
If a seller’s TIN is incorrect, your system should flag it before submission – saving hours of rework and preventing IRS notices.
AccuTitle’s built-in validation does exactly this.
Turning 1099-S Season into a Client Experience Win
Compliance is critical—but this season is also an opportunity to add value. While compliance is essential, 1099-S season also creates opportunities to enhance your client experience.
Educate Sellers
Share easy guides or FAQs that help them prep for tax season. Provide simple guides and FAQs that help sellers prepare for tax season—reducing confusion and follow-up questions.
Spotlight Additional Services
Secure portals, guided client updates, automated d document access show professionalism and improve client trust. Showcase tools like secure portals, automated updates, and guided document access to highlight your professionalism and transparency.
Offer Self-Service Tools
24/7 access to closing documents through tools like AccuTitle’s myTitleVault improves the client experience while reducing manual requests. reduces manual requests and gives clients the modern experience they expect.
Make 1099-S Reporting Simple with AccuTitle
At AccuTitle, we’re here to make your workflow smarter, more accurate, and more secure.
At AccuTitle, we’re here to help your team work smarter, stay compliant, and eliminate unnecessary manual tasks.
With integrated IRS e-filing, tax ID verification, audit trails, reporting automation, and full-service 1099 fulfillment, your team can enter 1099-S season with confidence – not chaos.
