Facing QuickBooks error with 1099 or W-2 forms not printing? Learn step-by-step to fix payroll tax issues. Call +1-866-513-4656.

Tax season brings enough stress without software issues getting in the way. Many QuickBooks users have recently encountered a QuickBooks error where 1099 and W-2 forms fail to print on time. Whether it’s a blank print preview, partial page, or nothing coming out of the printer, this issue can stall your entire payroll and compliance process.

QuickBooks Error: Fix 1099 and W-2 forms failing to print issue. Resolve QuickBooks payroll and tax form problems. Call +1-866-513-4656 for help.

If your business operations are held up by this problem, or you’re struggling to meet IRS deadlines, read this detailed guide carefully. You can also call +1-866-513-4656 to get expert guidance to fix your QuickBooks payroll issue quickly.

What Does the “1099 and W-2 Forms Failing to Print” Error Mean?

This issue occurs when QuickBooks Desktop or Online fails to generate or send print commands for W-2 or 1099 tax forms. Users often see:

• Blank print previews for W-2 or 1099 forms.
• Distorted or cutoff forms when printing.
• Error pop-ups related to PDF or alignment settings.
• Forms getting stuck during the print queue.

This problem can affect any version of QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online Payroll, especially during software updates or form template revisions.

Top Causes of QuickBooks Error When Printing 1099 or W-2 Forms

1. Outdated Payroll Tax Table

If your tax table isn’t updated, QuickBooks may generate old or incompatible form templates. This prevents the system from aligning data correctly for 1099 and W-2 forms.

2. Printer or PDF Driver Malfunction

QuickBooks relies on Adobe PDF components or installed printer drivers. Any corruption in these drivers can cause QuickBooks print commands to fail.

3. Incorrect Form Settings

When W-2 or 1099 form versions don’t match the latest IRS regulations, QuickBooks Desktop may display incomplete or blank forms.

4. Damaged Company File Data

Corrupted data in your QuickBooks company file, especially in payroll records, can lead to mismatched or missing details on tax forms.

5. Misconfigured Security Settings

Firewall, antivirus, or restricted administrative permissions can block QuickBooks from accessing system printer or PDF settings.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error: 1099 and W-2 Forms Not Printing

Follow the troubleshooting steps in the exact order provided. Try printing a test form after each method.

Step 1: Update QuickBooks and Payroll Tax Tables

For QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Select Update Now, check Reset Update, and click Get Updates.
4. Install the updates, restart QuickBooks, and open your company file.
5. Then navigate to Employees > Get Payroll Updates.
6. Check Download Entire Update and click Download Latest Update.

For QuickBooks Online:

• Updates are automatic, but refresh your cache and re-login to ensure the latest version runs.

Step 2: Reinstall or Repair Microsoft XPS and PDF Components

1. In Windows, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Select Microsoft XPS Document Writer and run the repair tool, or reinstall it.
3. Ensure Adobe Reader is updated to the latest version.
4. Try printing a sample 1099 or W-2 form again.

Step 3: Check Printer Setup in QuickBooks

1. Go to File > Printer Setup.
2. Choose the form type (W-2 Forms or 1099s).
3. Select the correct printer name and paper size (8.5" x 11").
4. Click Align and Print Preview to verify form layout.

If still blank, try changing the paper orientation or print as PDF.

Step 4: Verify Company File Integrity

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to File > Utilities > Verify Data.
2. If errors are detected, go to File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
3. After rebuilding, restart QuickBooks and print the payroll forms again.

Step 5: Adjust Security and Firewall Settings

1. Ensure QuickBooks has full administrator access.
2. Temporarily disable antivirus and firewalls to test printing.
3. Add QuickBooks ports (8019, 56728, 55378–55382) to firewall exceptions.
4. Attempt to print the form again.

Prevention Tips

• Always update QuickBooks and the Payroll Tax Table before January each year.
• Use plain white, high-quality paper for IRS-approved form printing.
• Regularly verify and rebuild your company file data.
• Maintain the latest printer and PDF drivers.
• Backup your company data before performing payroll updates.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Why are my 1099 forms blank when printing in QuickBooks?

Blank forms typically occur due to outdated payroll form templates or damaged PDF drivers. Updating QuickBooks usually resolves it.

2. Can I print W-2 forms on plain paper using QuickBooks?

Yes. The IRS-approved version allows printing on plain 8.5" x 11" paper, provided alignment and form settings are correct.

3. What if my W-2 forms show the wrong year?

That means the tax table or QuickBooks version is outdated. Update your software and payroll tax table.

4. Do I need Adobe Reader installed to print payroll forms?

Yes. QuickBooks uses PDF components for generating form previews and print layouts.

5. How can I prevent printing issues during tax season?

Keep QuickBooks, Windows updates, printer drivers, and payroll tax tables current throughout the year.

If your QuickBooks error persists and 1099 or W-2 forms still fail to print, you can get immediate, one-on-one help by contacting a payroll specialist at +1-866-513-4656. They’ll walk you through advanced troubleshooting to ensure your forms print correctly and your business stays compliant.