ELECTRONIC FILING DETAILS
Step1: Building the IRS1.txt File with the OPTIONS MENU.
If file extensions (like .txt or .src) are not showing, or you are not sure,
you must be certain that extensions are not hidden.
Building the IRS file converts your SOURCE (.src) file to another file in IRS format for e-Filing. Open your source file into 1099 Express. You should see payees and other data in the grid. Click the Options Menu then "Build IRS File - This File". Use the suggested filename called IRS1.txt. If this is your second file, use the name IRS2.txt. The IRSx.txt files will be saved in a default folder called C:\E20XX\IRSFILES, unless you change this setting in the TCC Holder Information screen.
There may be errors, such as missing company information, missing TCC holder information,
missing account numbers, missing SSNs, and more. 1099Express will not allow you to send
errors to the IRS. After errors are corrected, your source file must be saved, before you can continue.
If it says "Save File First" click the File/Save menu or click the SAVE speed button.
Start over and click the Options Menu, then Build IRS File - This File, and try
again.
After the IRS1.Txt file is created,
you are then asked if you wish to zip (compress) the file. Normally, do not compress the file.
If you have a slow internet connection, and a very large file (more than approximately 1000 records),
you may wish to zip (compress) the file. This creates another file with the .zip extension
see File Compression.
Send IRS1.txt or IRS1-txt.zip but not both.
If you have more source files, repeat this process, naming each output file IRS2.txt, IRS3.txt, etc. or any other name of your choosing. Alternatively, you can Combine Multiple Source Files to One IRS File.
Step2: Print the Tracking Report.
After the IRS1.txt file is created, a white screen will appear showing
showing the file to upload to the IRS. This file is usually named
C:\E20xx\IRSFILES\IRS1.txt
Upload this file after connecting to the IRS FIRE web site. A common mistake is
to upload the corresponding .src file.
Print this screen on paper! It contains vital tracking
information, then click CLOSE to continue.
Step3: Uploading your IRS1.txt file.
When the Text Viewer white screen is closed, you are taken automatically to the IRS web site FIRE.IRS.GOV
If you have an account, click Log On, otherwise click Create New Account and follow the easy instructions. When creating a new account, you will have to create a User Name such as "Sally Jones", a Password with 8 characters such as "Sally123", and a ten digit PIN such as 8005551212 (a phone number makes an easy to remember PIN).
After you log on, click Main Menu, and see Uncle Sam.
Then click Send Information Returns, and follow prompts,
entering your TCC, TIN, VERIFY, PIN, etc. when requested. When prompted for FILE TYPE
normally choose Original, if this is the first time. Other file types
could be Replacement, Test, or Correction. Continue until you reach the screen that has a
BROWSE and UPLOAD buttons.
Click the BROWSE button. A "Choose File" window will appear.
Navigate to the C: Drive, then the yellow folder called E20xx, then the yellow
folder called IRSFILES.
The top window labeled "LOOK IN" should be set to C:\E20XX\IRSFILES\
Click the file such as IRS1.txt, then click OPEN. Next click the UPLOAD button. You should then see an "Upload Progress" window
as the file uploads to the IRS. This may be too quick to see. You will then see the
"File Upload Statistics" web page showing "Total Bytes Received",
which must be printed.
A common mistake is to upload your ".src" file. Do not upload any file ending
with the extension .src
Step4: Print the File Upload Statistics (Total Bytes Received) page.
This is the only chance you will have to print the File Upload Statistics web page and save it as proof of delivery to the IRS. Follow the instructions on this page carefully. Be sure this page actually prints out before you continue. Staple it to the Tracking Report printed in Step 2.
Return to the main menu. Click Check File Status menu. Status should be "Not Yet Processed". Click the link for more information. Remember to check the File Status tomorrow.
Step 5: Check your File Status.
It is your responsibility to check the IRS status after your file is processed by the IRS. Within 1 or 2 days, go back to the FIRE.IRS.Gov website. Check the file status. If the file status is GOOD, it will be released in 10 days and posted to each persons 1040. During the 10 day grace period you have the option to cancel the entire file by calling the IRS at 1-866-455-7438.
If the file status is BAD, it will be necessary to find the reason why the file is BAD, correct the problem, then send the file back to the IRS as a "REPLACEMENT FILE". Most files are labeled BAD because the wrong file was sent to the IRS. Never send a "CORRECTION" file unless you have read Submitting Correction Files to the IRS
Notes:
If you receive a message that your TCC does not match the TIN you provided, you should call the IRS at 866-455-7438 to get the correct TIN for your TCC. You may also get this error message if you are trying to check the file status, but no files have been uploaded to the new FIRE SYSTEM.