As of January 1, 2011, persons receiving rental income from real property have to file information returns (Form 1099-MISC) to the Internal Revenue Service and to persons that provide services for which they receive payments of $600 or more during the year for rental property expenses such as repairs and maintenance.
Form W-9 is available to give to service providers. I recommend obtaining the W-9 before paying the provider unless it is clearly obvious that payments will not exceed $600 for the year. Hear’s a comprehensive article in the Journal of Accountancy.
