Will hand-written or using adobe acrobat reader or Advanced Micro Solutions software IRS Tax Forms correctly scan when mailed?

Question

https://www.sapling.com/8735031/do-1099-forms-typed

https://www.bluesummitsupplies.com/blogs/tax-resources/can-you-handwrite-a-1099

There are websites that say hand-writing an IRS tax form from the order page on the irs.gov website will not scan, and you have to use special font and type the form.

I have no idea how to type on a printed form without a scanner using a type-writer. I also cannot find a type-writer.

Is there something special accountants do when creating IRS non e-filed forms such as special ink or a typer-writer?

Can a lay-person download IRS tax forms creation software, print out the results after buying from https://www.1099-etc.com/software/w2-and-1099-forms-filer/, and mail to IRS without future problems?

Will hand-written or using adobe acrobat reader filled out IRS Tax Forms correctly scan when mailed?

Answer 1

You can use the Acrobat Reader software to fill the forms. See the IRS instructions here. You don't need a typewriter.

You can legally submit a handwritten return, but it will likely require manual processing. This is prone to errors, and may significantly delay the processing. It may also lead to a more detailed examination: since it's being manually processed already there's not much of incremental effort to have a Revenue Agent to look at it.

---

Thanks for @nanoman's callout about 1099: These forms are much more sensitive. You should not print them on your own, and instead use the official printed form you can get from the IRS for free or from various providers (like your local office supplies store, maybe).