IRIS and the FIRE Retirement

What is changing with IRS e-filing from 2026 to 2027?

The IRS is retiring its FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) system. FIRE stops accepting submissions on November 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET. Starting January 1, 2027, IRIS (the Information Returns Intake System) is the only way to e-file information returns with the IRS, including current-year returns, prior-year returns and corrections. Tax year 2026 forms, filed in early 2027, will be the first filed entirely through IRIS.
For the full timeline, see our FIRE to IRIS transition guide.

Do I need to do anything differently if I file with TAB1099?

No. TAB1099 is a fully operational IRIS A2A (Application-to-Application) transmitter, so we e-file your returns through IRIS under our own credentials. You continue to upload your data the way you do today, and we handle conversion, validation and transmission.

Do I need my own IRIS Transmitter Control Code (TCC)?

No. TAB1099 files under our own IRIS TCC, so you don’t need to apply for one, complete IRS identity verification for a TCC application, or go through IRS testing. You would only need your own IRIS TCC if you chose to file directly with the IRS through the IRIS Taxpayer Portal or your own A2A integration.

Can I still send you the FIRE-format file my system produces?

Yes. TAB1099 accepts legacy FIRE-format (Publication 1220) files and converts them to the IRIS XML format automatically. We also accept Excel, CSV and many other formats, so there’s no need to change how your systems export data.

Does IRIS require any changes to my data?

IRIS applies stricter formatting and validation than FIRE did. For example, individual recipient names are submitted in separate first, middle and last name fields. IRIS also checks recipient names and TINs when returns are submitted. Our data analysts review and map your data to IRIS requirements before anything is transmitted, and our TIN validation service helps catch mismatches in advance.

I’m deciding between filing myself and using a provider. Where do I start?

Read our comparison of the IRIS Taxpayer Portal, A2A, and working with a provider, or schedule a free transition consult and we’ll help you choose.

Getting Started with 1099 Processing

What is 1099 processing and why do I need it?

Form 1099 is a family of IRS information returns that report payments other than wages, such as payments to independent contractors (1099-NEC), rents and royalties (1099-MISC), interest (1099-INT), and retirement distributions (1099-R). If your organization makes reportable payments, you must file the correct 1099 with the IRS and furnish a copy to each recipient by the applicable deadlines. 1099 processing covers everything from preparing the forms to e-filing, mailing or electronically delivering recipient copies, and handling corrections.

What information do I need to start my 1099 processing?

You’ll need recipient information (names, addresses and Taxpayer Identification Numbers), payment amounts for the tax year, and the type of payments made. For tax year 2026, some forms also require additional detail. For example, Forms 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC now include fields for cash tips and overtime compensation. Our platform accepts virtually any file format, and our data analysts will help organize your information.

When should I start my 1099 process?

We recommend starting as early as possible after year-end. Key deadlines are January 31st for recipient copies and March 31st for electronic filing to the IRS (February 28th for paper filing). Starting early ensures you meet all deadlines without stress.

What file formats can I upload?

Our platform accepts virtually any file format, including Excel, CSV, QuickBooks exports, accounting and ERP system files (for example, PeopleSoft), and legacy FIRE-format (Publication 1220) files. Our data analysts are skilled at processing various file types and will work with you to ensure seamless integration.

1099 Forms & Requirements

What types of 1099 forms do you process?

We handle all 1099 form types including:

• 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) – Most common for contractors
• 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income) – Rent, royalties, prizes
• 1099-INT (Interest Income)
• 1099-DIV (Dividends)
• 1099-R (Retirement Distributions)
• 1099-K (Payment Card Transactions)
• And many other specialized 1099 forms

What’s the difference between 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC?

1099-NEC is specifically for nonemployee compensation (contractor payments) and has accelerated filing deadlines. 1099-MISC covers other types of miscellaneous income like rent, royalties, and prizes. We handle both with precision. Our multi-step quality control ensures error rates consistently below industry benchmarks.

Do I need to file 1099s for all contractors?

You generally must file Form 1099-NEC for any nonemployee, such as an individual contractor, partnership or LLC taxed as a partnership, that you paid $2,000 or more for services during 2026. Payments to corporations are generally exempt, with some exceptions, such as payments for legal services. Our TIN validation service helps ensure you’re filing for the right recipients and reduces penalty risk.

What are the penalties for not filing 1099s?

For returns required to be filed in 2027, IRS penalties for failing to file correct information returns on time are:

$60 per return if corrected within 30 days of the due date
$130 per return if corrected after 30 days but by August 1
$340 per return if corrected after August 1 or not filed at all
$690 or more per return, with no annual cap, for intentional disregard

Annual maximums reach $4,191,500 for businesses with more than $5 million in average annual gross receipts (lower maximums apply to smaller businesses). A separate penalty with the same amounts applies to failures to furnish correct recipient copies. Our timely processing and accuracy help you avoid these costly penalties.

What is the reporting threshold for 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC?

For payments made in 2026 and later, the reporting threshold for most payments reported on Forms 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC increased from $600 to $2,000, under changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The threshold will be adjusted for inflation in future years. Some payment types have different thresholds (for example, royalties reported on Form 1099-MISC), so check the instructions for each form. See our post on 1099 reporting thresholds for 2026.

Process & Platform

How does your 1099 processing work?

1. Upload your data in any format through our secure platform
2. Review – Our rigorous quality control catches and corrects potential issues before they become costly problems. 
3. Approve – You review summary reports and mail proofs online
4. Complete – We print recipient copies, mail them, and e-file to the IRS
5. Support – Post-filing corrections handled at no extra cost

The result? We transform what used to be your annual compliance headache into a streamlined competitive advantage.

Do I need to install any software?

No software installation required! Our web-based platform provides secure access through any browser. You can access your account from anywhere with an internet connection.

Can I make changes after uploading my data?

Yes! You can create, delete, or update forms before final approval. Our platform provides complete flexibility to make adjustments as your data changes.

What if I discover errors after filing?

Post-filing corrections are transmitted directly to the IRS at no additional cost. We handle the entire correction process, including amended forms and IRS correspondence.

Can I access my forms after filing?

Yes, you can view, print, and download all forms from your secure account at any time. We maintain your records for easy access during audits or for reference.

Do I need a 1099 TCC code?

No, you do not need a TCC (Transmitter Control Code) to E-file with ts1099. As a transmitter and software provider, we obtain the TCC numbers in order to E-File for you.

Compliance & Deadlines

What are the key 1099 deadlines?

• January 31: Recipient copies must be provided
• February 28: Paper filing deadline to IRS
• March 31: Electronic filing deadline to IRS
• Note: 1099-NEC forms have the same deadlines as W-2s

How do you ensure compliance with changing regulations?

Our platform is continuously updated to reflect the latest IRS and state tax regulations. Our compliance experts monitor regulatory changes and update our systems automatically, so you’re always current.

What is TIN validation and why is it important?

TIN (Tax ID) validation verifies that recipient names match their Tax ID numbers in IRS records. This service significantly reduces the risk of IRS penalties and backup withholding requirements. We include this service to protect your business.

Security & Data Protection

How secure is my sensitive data?

Data protection is not an add-on, but it is our foundation. We maintain SOC2 compliance with encrypted file transfers, secure client portals, and regular security audits. Your sensitive financial information is protected with enterprise-grade security measures that have earned the trust of regulated industries for over 60 years.

Who has access to my data?

Only authorized Tab personnel who need access to process your forms can view your data. All staff undergo security training and background checks. Your data is never shared with third parties.

How long do you retain my data?

We maintain data for IRS-recommended periods, typically 4-7 years depending on the form type. You will be able to access your data through the secure portal at any time during this period.

Pricing & Services

Are there setup fees or subscriptions?

No licensing or subscription fees. Our platform is free to access for processing customers. You pay only for the services you use with transparent, upfront pricing.

What’s included in your 1099 service?

Our comprehensive service includes:

• Data processing and form creation
• Professional printing of recipient copies
• Postal mailing to all recipients
• Electronic filing with the IRS
• TIN validation service
• Post-filing corrections at no extra cost
• Dedicated U.S.-based support

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes, we offer volume-based pricing for larger quantities. The more forms you process, the better your per-form rate. Contact us to discuss pricing for your specific volume.

Support & Service

What kind of support do you provide?

We work as an extension of your team by providing U.S.-based phone support with direct access to 1099 processing experts and decision-makers. When you call, you will speak with knowledgeable professionals who understand your business and your tax compliance needs, not just general customer service representatives.

What if I have questions during tax season?

Our expert support team is available throughout tax season to answer questions and resolve any issues. We understand the time-sensitive nature of tax compliance and prioritize rapid response.

Can you handle complex 1099 situations?

Absolutely! Our experts handle multi-state filings, high-volume processing, complex contractor relationships, and unusual payment scenarios. We create custom-fit solutions for challenging compliance situations. It is never a one-size-fits-all templates, always built around your exact needs.

Do you integrate with accounting software?

Yes, we work with data from all major accounting platforms including QuickBooks, Sage, ADP, and others. Our API capabilities also allow for automated data transfer if needed.

Common 1099 Scenarios

I use multiple contractors across different states. Can you handle this?

Yes! We specialize in multi-state compliance and can handle contractors across all 50 states. We track varying state requirements and ensure full compliance for each jurisdiction.

What if I’m not sure whether someone needs a 1099?

Our experts can help determine who requires 1099 reporting based on payment amounts, recipient type, and payment classification. We’ll guide you through the decision process.

What about contractors who are LLCs or corporations?

Generally, payments to corporations don’t require 1099s, but there are exceptions (like legal services). LLCs may or may not require 1099s depending on their tax classification. Our TIN validation service helps identify the correct requirements.