Free IRS 1099 E-File Service

Free IRS 1099 E-File Service

What most business filers do not realize is that the IRS offers an absolutely free 1099 e-File service called the IRS FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) System. This system is available most of the year and allows 1099 filers to submit an unlimited number of 1099 electronic filing submissions for free. The service accepts a wide range of 1099 forms including (and not limited to) 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1098-T, 1098, 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-K, 1099-PATR and 1099-OID.

Most states also participate in a program called "combined federal / state filing program" , where the IRS will forward the 1099 e-Filed data to the state for free also.

This page shows you how to sign up with the IRS 1099 E=File service and how to generate and upload your 1099 data when you are ready.

What is the Free IRS 1099 E-File Service for Business?

The IRS 1099 E-File service (also referred to as IRS FIRE System) is free online service available from the IRS to allow business filers to send 1099 forms data electronically to the federal government and some state tax departments. The web address for this free service is https://fire.irs.gov/ . The system is open to accept submissions from Mid-January until Mid-December each year.

In order to use the free IRS 1099 E-File system, business filers need to register as shown in the section below. Once registered, users can upload unlimited 1099 data for any number of businesses all free to charge. The data needs to be uploaded in a special format according to the specifications in Publication 1220. Our 1099 E-File software complies with the IRS 1099 E-File specifications and allows filers to generate unlimited submissions for different types of forms including 1099-MISC, INT, DIV and more.

FREE 1099 Software Trial

How Can I Sign-up with the IRS FIRE System?

In order to sign up with the IRS 1099 E-File service you need to do two things: First obtain a TCC code and second to create a new account at FIRE.IRS.GOV

To obtain a TCC code (5-character Transmitter Control Code):

The IRS changed their requirements in 2023, please refer to our latest tutorial on how to obtain a FIRE TCC.

How to create a new 1099 E-File account:

Step 1: Have your TCC Code Ready.

Step 2: Point your browser to https://fire.irs.gov/ .

Step 3: Click the "Create New Account" link on the left.

Step 4: Provide the following information; Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, Contact and Email. Very important, please double check your email address, this is where you get the new account information and this is where you get the notifications about each 1099 E-file submissions. We highly recommend you first log into the email account for the email address you use in this step to make sure you can access and read your messages, this will save you a lot of headache.

Step 5: Click the "Submit" button to create your new account. Follow the on screen instructions and check your email for further information.

1099 Software Details

How Can I Send 1099 Data Electronically through the IRS E-File Service?

In order to send 1099 data electronically you will need to first create a file according to IRS specifications either manually or by using 1099 e-File software like the one offered by our company. If you decide to create the file manually you will need to be very thorough and very careful not to send the wrong data.

Once you have the data file ready please follow the steps below to upload to the IRS E-File Service:

Step 1: Before connecting, have your TCC and TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) available.

Step 2: Log into the IRS FIRE System Website.

Step 3: Once you are logged in, upload your file to the FIRE System. When the upload is complete, the screen will display the total bytes received and display the name of the file just uploaded. IF THIS IS NOT DISPLAYED TO YOUR SCREEN, the IRS PROBABLY DID NOT RECEIVE THE FILE. To verify, go to CHECK FILE STATUS option on the Main Menu. If the filename is displayed and the count is equal to '0' and the results indicate 'not yet processed', then the IRS received the file. If the filename is not displayed, send the file again.

Step 4: In a couple of days log into the IRS FIRE system and check the file status (if you specified a good email address when you uploaded the file, the IRS will contact you by email with the status of the file).

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