How can I get 1099-NEC box 5-7 be blank?

Welcome to the QuickBooks Community forum, ptb. I’ll explain why those state boxes are auto-populating and how you can handle the corrections.

There isn't a direct setting to empty boxes 5-7 during the initial filing. Since these boxes auto-populate based on the contractor's address on file. Therefore, a US mailing address automatically triggers state reporting for that jurisdiction.  

Regarding your second question, you can file corrections directly in the software, though some types are unsupported. Now, if you're attempting to correct the state boxes, the 1099 must be Accepted by the IRS first. If it's Rejected, don't file a correction. Instead, you must void the forms and file new ones.

Before starting, ensure you have updated the contractor's profile and transactions in QuickBooks, as the corrected form pulls data directly from these records. Then, follow the steps below:

1. Go to All apps, then Expenses & Bills, then 1099s.
2. From the Status column, look for Accepted.
3. Select Correct next to the specific form you need to fix.
4. Follow the prompts to update the information.
5. Preview the form and choose Next.
6. Review State Requirements. QuickBooks e-files for states in the Combined Federal/State Filing (CFSF) program. If your state isn't supported, you'll have to file with the state agency directly.
7. Choose the E-file corrected form and follow the final prompts to submit.

One more thing, we won't mail or email these corrected forms to your contractors. Instead, you'll need to download the PDF and send a copy to your contractor yourself. Visit this guide for more details: Correct or change 1099s in QuickBooks.

For follow-up questions, hit the Reply button below. 

So, if I need to do this again next year and need to leave Box 5-7 blank, assuming no new functionality by then, is there a way to do this within QBO or do I need to use a third party vendor?