Is it possible to efile Forms 1099-NEC with IRS, but then mail them to our contractors myself? Will I need to purchase the Forms or can they be printed to plain paper?

Welcome to the Community, Sff.

Let me help and provide information about filing form 1099-NEC with the IRS in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

Yes, it's possible to file forms 1099-NEC with the IRS, you can refer to this IRS article to help you file form 1099: E-file Forms 1099 with IRIS.

Regarding your second concern, you have to purchase Form 1099 directly from the IRS. For printing the form, you can choose a blank paper type. Copy A of Form 1099s requires red ink and can be ordered from the IRS or a tax supply vendor. However, all other parts of Form 1099 can be printed on plain white paper.

You can check this article to help you order a 1099 NEC for you to print: QuickBooks Pre-Printed 1099 kits.

I'll also add this article to guide you in understanding different federal payroll forms, and tax payments: Understand federal forms and tax payments for 941, 944, 943, and 940.

Please feel free to drop a comment below, if you have further concerns about the 1099 or other QBO-related concerns. I will answer them in any possible way.