Thank you for attempting to assist. I did see these forms previously and unfortunately they are informational only as per these instructions:
Attention filers of Form 1096: This form is provided for informational purposes only. It appears in red, similar to the official IRS form. The official printed version of this IRS form is scannable, but a copy, printed from this website, is not. Do not print and file a Form 1096 downloaded from this website; a penalty may be imposed for filing with the IRS information return forms that can’t be scanned. See part O in the current General Instructions for Certain Information Returns, available at www.irs.gov/form1099, for more information about penalties.
To order official IRS information returns, which include a scannable Form 1096 for filing with the IRS, visit www.IRS.gov/orderforms. Click on Employer and Information Returns, and we’ll mail you the forms you request and their instructions, as well as any publications you may order.
Because of these instructions, I went to IRS.gov/orderforms, and the only 1096s they have are 2024 and 2025. That's why I'm still not certain how to obtain and file the 1096 for prior years.
Thank you all in advance for help.
Eli
