The short answer

What it reportsInformation about the acquisition or abandonment of property that is security for a debt for which you are the lender.
Amounts to reportAll amounts
To the recipient(To Borrower) January 31
To the IRS, on paperFebruary 28
To the IRS, electronicallyMarch 31

If one arrives

Treated as a sale of the property. A 1099-C may follow for any debt forgiven on top of it.

The form is how a payer tells the IRS what it paid. Its absence is not permission — income you received is reportable whether or not a form covers it, and a threshold decides only who must file, never what you owe.

This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. It covers United States federal reporting. Consult a qualified tax professional about your situation.

Official sources