e-Filing through the IRS FIRE Site
e-Filing to the IRS over the Internet (FIRE.IRS.GOV)
** Please be sure to never send the SOURCE (.src) file to the IRS. The IRS will not accept this file type and the file will be rejected. **
Follow the directions below to upload to the IRS FIRE site:
Note: 1099 Express has the capability to create the file(s) needed to file electronically through the IRS FIRE site. However, a TCC (Transmitter Control Code) is required. For more information
on obtaining a TCC for your busniess, please visit About Information Returns (IR) Application for Transmitter Control Code (TCC).
Alternatively, our Service Bureau offers e-Filing services. Please see e-Filing through Us for more information.
Electronic Filing Summery
◦ Building the 'IRS1.txt' file to the 'Documents/1099Express/E20XX/IRSFiles/' folder.
◦ Print the Tracking Report (shown in the white screen or "Text Viewer").
◦ Upload the IRS1.txt file to the IRS using the IRS FIRE Site.
◦ Print the "File Upload Statistics" page from the IRS FIRE web site as proof of filing.
◦ In 1 to 2 days, log back on IRS FIRE and check the "File Status" to be sure the file was approved.
Electronic Filing Details
Step 1: Building the IRS1.txt File with the OPTIONS tab
◦ If file extensions (such as.'txt' or '.src') are not showing, please follow the link provided to Enable File Extensions.
◦ Building the IRS file converts the SOURCE (.src) file to a file in IRS format for e-Filing. Open your source file into 1099 Express. Once all the Recipient and Issuer data has populated
into the grid, click the 'Options' tab on the top left, then "Build IRS File - This File". Use the suggested filename "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 'Documents/1099Express/E20XX/', unless it was changed in the TCC Holder Information window.
◦ There may be errors, such as "missing company information", "missing TCC holder information", "missing account numbers", or "missing SSNs". 1099Express will not allow a file to be sent with errors
to the IRS, please make sure to correct any errors that occur during this process.
◦ After all errors are corrected, the source file will need to be saved before proceeding. If it says "Save File First" click the 'File' tab or click the 'Save' button.
◦ Return to the 'Options' tab, then select 'Build IRS File - This File'.
◦ After the IRS1.Txt file is created, a window will open asking if the file will need to be compressed into a Zip File. It is not reccomended to compress your file to a Zip
file, however (if internet speeds are slow), zipping the file would help with the future upload. This creates another file with the '.zip' extension.
◦ Send the 'IRS1.txt' or 'IRS1-txt.zip' but never both.
◦ If there is more then one SOURCE file that needs to be e-Filed, repeat the process above or refer to the Building Multiple IRS Files page.
Step 2: Print the Tracking Report
◦ After the IRS1.txt file is created, a text box will appear showing the information about that file. This is the tracking report. Please make sure to print the tracking information, then click CLOSE to continue.
Step 3: Uploading your IRS1.txt file
◦ Once the Text Viewer is closed, you will be re-directed to the FIRE.IRS.GOV website.
◦ If you have an existing account, click 'Log On'. If an account has not been made previously,
'Create New Account'. Follow the instructions provided and fill out all neccassary information.
◦ After logging-on, click the Main Menu, then select the Send Information Returns option.
Follow the prompts provided (entering your TCC, TIN, VERIFY, PIN, etc.) when requested.
◦ When prompted for FILE TYPE choose Original, if this is the first time uploading a file. Other file types could be Replacement, Test, or Correction.
Continue until the screen that has the BROWSE or UPLOAD option appears.
◦ Click the BROWSE button. A "Choose File" window will appear. Navigate to your Documents/1099Express/E20XX then select the IRSFILES folder.
The top window labeled "LOOK IN" should be set to Documents/1099Express/E20XX/IRSFILES. Click the file needed to e-File (such as the IRS1.txt), then select OPEN.
◦Next click the UPLOAD button. An "Upload Progress" window will then appear as the file uploads to the IRS. After a successful upload, you will be directed to the 'File Upload Statistics'
web page. This page will show the "Total Bytes Received", which is required to be printed.
◦ Please be sure to not submit a .SRC file as it will be rejected upon upload.
Step 4: Print the File Upload Statistics (Total Bytes Received) page
◦ Please be sure to print the File Upload Statistics (Total Bytes Recieved) page upon uploading since it can only be viewed once. Once printed (or saved as a PDF) it will be the "proof
of delivery" for the IRS. Make sure to follow directions provided on this page, and 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 regularly.
Step 5: Check your File Status
◦ It is the Filer's responsibility to check the IRS status after the file is processed by the IRS. Within 1 or 2 days, return 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 the Filer will 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 the file received specific errors. For more information on Correction Files,
please follow the link provided: Creating a Correction File
If further assitance is needed, please Contact Our Office.