Do you need to file Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information, or another 1099 type? You can use the IRS’s Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) to e-file 1099s.
Here’s what to know about IRIS 1099 filing.
What is IRIS 1099?
The Information Returns Intake System, IRIS, is a free platform that businesses can use to electronically file forms in the 1099 series (e.g., 1099-NEC). You can e-file 1099 forms with the IRS and the states that participate in the Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) Program. IRIS launched in January 2023.
You can use IRIS to manually add a 1099 or import up to 100 forms per upload with a CSV. In addition to e-filing with IRIS, businesses can also use the platform to file corrected Forms 1099 and request automatic filing extensions.
The release of IRIS predates the new IRS e-filing threshold by one calendar year. Beginning in 2024, businesses filing a total of 10 or more information returns must e-file them. IRIS is an alternative to the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system, which requires special software.
According to the IRS, the Information Returns Intake System is especially useful for small companies that need to e-file their 1099s. Large businesses, individuals, tax-exempt organizations, transmitters, third-party filers, government agencies, and software developers can also e-file Forms 1099 with IRIS.
What forms can you e-file with the IRS IRIS 1099 platform?
You can use IRIS to e-file any forms in the 1099 series, including:
| Form 1099 Type | Complete Form Name |
|---|---|
| 1099-A | Acquisition or Abandonment of Secured Property |
| 1099-B | Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions |
| 1099-C | Cancellation of Debt |
| 1099-CAP | Changes in Corporate Control and Capital Structure |
| 1099-DIV | Dividends and Distributions |
| 1099-G | Certain Government Payments |
| 1099-H | Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) Advance Payments |
| 1099-INT | Interest Income |
| 1099-K | Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions |
| 1099-LS | Reportable Life Insurance Sale |
| 1099-LTC | Long-Term Care and Accelerated Death Benefits |
| 1099-MISC | Miscellaneous Income |
| 1099-NEC | Nonemployee Compensation |
| 1099-OID | Original Issue Discount |
| 1099-PATR | Taxable Distributions Received from Cooperatives |
| 1099-Q | Payments from Qualified Education Programs (Under Sections 529 and 530) |
| 1099-QA | Distributions from ABLE Accounts |
| 1099-R | Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc. |
| 1099-S | Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions |
| 1099-SA | Distributions From an HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA |
| 1099-SB | Seller’s Investment in Life Insurance Contract |
You do not need to file Form 1096, Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns, if you e-file 1099s.
IRIS platform vs. FIRE system
Again, IRIS isn’t the only IRS e-filing system available. You can also use the Filing Information Returns Electronically system for e-filing. So, what’s the difference between IRIS and the FIRE system?
You can bulk e-file information returns using the FIRE system. This includes the 1099 series and other returns, like Form 1098-E, Student Loan Interest Statement. Unlike IRIS, the FIRE system requires special software to use.
Is the IRS getting rid of the FIRE system? According to the IRS, the FIRE system will “remain available for bulk filing Form 1099 series and the other information returns through at least the 2023 filing season.”
How to e-file with the Information Returns Intake System
You need to create an account to e-file with the Information Returns Intake System. Read on to learn what you need before using the system and how to e-file with IRIS.
Before e-filing with IRIS
To use IRIS, you need an:
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- IRIS Transmitter Control Code (TCC)
You must apply for both an EIN and IRIS TCC. You need to have your EIN before applying for the TCC.
Applying for an EIN: Do you know how to apply for an EIN? You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website. If you use the online application, you will receive your EIN immediately. You can also fax or mail your application, but you won’t receive your EIN immediately.
Applying for a TCC: Use the IRIS application for TCC. Keep in mind that it can take up to 45 calendar days for the IRS to process your TCC application, so plan accordingly.
Using the IRIS portal
Once you have your TCC, you can use your IRIS account to e-file Forms 1099. Go to the IRIS login page and enter your username and password.
On your dashboard, you can start a new form, upload up to 100 forms with a CSV file, view unsubmitted and submitted forms, request an automatic extension, and manage issuer information.
Follow these steps to e-file a 1099 form:
- Start a new form
- Use the dropdown to select what form you want to use
- Select the payment year for the form you’re preparing (tax year 2022 and after)
- Enter payer information (your business information)
- Enter recipient information (who you paid)
- Input payment information (amounts you paid)
- Input state payment information (optional)
- Review your information and submit
Make e-filing Forms 1099 a breeze. Pay unlimited contractors and track payments in Patriot’s accounting software. At year-end, you can generate 1099s with a few clicks and opt into our e-filing, where we’ll send your forms to the IRS and states that participate in the e-filing program. Get your free trial today!
This is not intended as legal advice; for more information, please click here.
