Form 1096 is an Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns that the IRS provides. It acts as a cover sheet for specific information returns related to contractors. When you submit certain forms to the IRS by mail, you include Form 1096 along with them. These forms include 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G. It helps ensure all necessary information returns are properly filed with the IRS.