Why can't I create 1099s with the Mac version?

What version do you have?  You need the Home & Business version.

If you are using the Mac Home & Business CD/Download program you can only prepare W2s and 1099s using QEF-Quick Employer Forms.  At the bottom of the Welcome to Turbo Tax screen it should say Create 1099s for Contractors and W2s for Employees.

Another way to get to the Quick Employer Forms is to go to the Business tab - Continue

Select I'll Choose what I work on (if it comes up)

Top item Profit or Loss from Business - Click Start

Click Edit by your Business

Then either

Scroll down to Business Expenses

On Other Common Business Expenses, click the start or update button

There are two sections where you can start using the QEF for contractors or employees.

For Contractors, on Contract Labor, Click the Start button

On the screen "Enter Contract Labor Expenses" there is shown "Create and File W-2s and 1099s Online with Turbo Tax Quick Employer Forms" and a "Start here" blue highlighted link.  This will take you to the QEF website.

3/21/2021 user posted.....

Thanks so much, that worked.

Here's what I did:

• I exited the tax return I was preparing.
• I started a new return.
• Under "Manage and Grow Your Business" I clicked on the link "Create 1099s for your contractors and W2s for your employees."
• That took me to the QEF web site where I could enter the 1099-NEC information.

When I tried to use QEF on the website I found myself in a seemingly infinite loop of page links.

I found the location in the Mac version.  Next year, could you please ask the UI people to bury it even deeper in the menu system?

Best,

Tony