What is the minimum amount that triggers the filing of Form 1099-C for canceled debts?

The minimum amount that triggers the filing of Form 1099-C for canceled debts is $600. When a lender cancels a debt of $600 or more, they are required to report this information to both the debtor and the Internal Revenue Service using Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt.

The rationale behind this threshold is that amounts below $600 are typically considered not significant enough to be reported, as they may not have a substantial impact on a taxpayer’s financial situation. Thus, the IRS sets this amount as a benchmark to capture only those cancellations that might affect a taxpayer's income. Any forgiven debt of $600 or more must be treated as taxable income, as it represents a financial benefit to the debtor, which is why proper reporting is mandated.