FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Set up an appointment with technical support. We can answer almost any technical support question you have and we are happy to help.
Who is required to use IRIS?
Most businesses are now required to file 1099 forms electronically. If your business files 10 or more information returns in a calendar year–including forms like 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, or 1099-INT–you'll generally need to file them electronically. (The IRS lowered the threshold from 250 forms to just 10, meaning many small businesses are now required to e-file.)
The good news? We make the process simple. When you file with us, there's no need to register with IRIS or navigate IRS filing systems on your own. We handle the electronic submission on your behalf. You just provide your recipient information, and we'll help you prepare it for a smooth, accurate filing experience.
What are my filing options within IRIS?
Businesses have a few options for filing through IRIS. You can manually enter forms into the IRS portal or upload a spreadsheet, but those methods can be time-consuming and may require IRS authorization. Our service streamlines the process by handling the technical requirements, formatting your data, and submitting your forms on your behalf. You simply provide your recipient and payment information, and we'll help you prepare it for accurate, hassle-free filing.
How does IRIS validate TIN type, and what happens if we use placeholder values?
Accurate tax ID information is essential for a successful IRIS filing. The IRS now verifies recipient names and tax ID numbers during the filing process, so incorrect or outdated information can lead to rejected submissions, IRS notices, or additional compliance requirements.
We help you identify potential issues before you file. As part of our pre-submission review, we'll flag records that may need attention so you can update your information before it becomes a problem.
For even greater confidence, we offer Bulk TIN Matching, an optional service that verifies recipient names and tax ID numbers against IRS records before you file. It's one of the best ways to reduce filing errors, avoid delays, and help ensure a smooth filing experience.
What types of real-time validation errors can cause a rejection in IRIS
IRIS has stricter validation requirements than the legacy FIRE system. Before the IRS accepts your filing, it checks your submission for formatting issues, data errors, and other potential problems. Even small mistakes can result in a rejected filing.
That's why we validate your data before it's submitted. Our system helps identify common issues early and explains them in plain language, so you know exactly what needs to be corrected. If updates to your records are needed, we'll guide you through the process to help ensure your filing is accurate and accepted.
How does the 1099IRIS filing process work?
Filing through IRIS is easier than you might think. We've simplified the process into a few straightforward steps and handle the technical details for you.
You provide your recipient and payment information using our secure template, and we'll review it for common issues before anything is submitted. Once your data is validated, you'll have the opportunity to review and approve your forms before we file them with the IRS on your behalf.
After submission, we'll let you know the results in clear, easy-to-understand language and help you resolve any issues if they arise.
How long does it take to get results back from the IRS?
Most IRIS filings are processed quickly, often within hours, though the IRS recommends allowing up to seven days. Because more businesses are now using IRIS, filing volumes may be higher during peak filing season.
That's why we encourage clients to start early. Giving yourself extra time helps avoid last-minute stress, allows time to resolve any issues that arise, and keeps you on track to meet IRS deadlines.
We'll help you prepare your data in advance and guide you through the process, so you're ready well before filing season begins.
Is our data secure with 1099IRIS?
Yes. Protecting your sensitive data is one of our highest priorities. 1099IRIS operates under National Software, Inc. (NSI), which is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, an independent certification that verifies our security controls have been rigorously tested over time.
Your data is securely stored in the United States, and if you use our print and mail services, your information remains protected through a SOC 2-certified partner. We also carry Errors and Omissions insurance for added peace of mind.
When choosing a filing provider, security matters. Our commitment to protecting your information means you can file with confidence.
What format does my data need to be in to file through 1099IRIS?
Getting started is simple. We provide easy-to-use spreadsheet templates for every form type we support, and you can complete them using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or any standard spreadsheet program. No special software is required.
The template guides you through the information needed, including recipient names, tax ID numbers, your organization’s legal information, and payment amounts. We’ll help make sure your data is formatted correctly and ready for IRIS filing requirements.
For your first filing, we review your file with you before anything is submitted to the IRS. If we find missing information, formatting issues, or details that could cause a rejection, we’ll explain what needs to be updated and help you make the necessary corrections.
Our goal is to help you catch potential issues early, so filing is accurate, efficient, and stress-free.
Do I need to replace our entire data generation process to use IRIS?
Probably not. Most organizations do not need to replace their entire data process to file through IRIS. What may need to change depends on how your current systems organize and export your recipient and payment information.
The good news is that you do not need to manage the technical IRIS file requirements yourself. We handle that part. Your existing systems for collecting recipient information, tracking payments, and running reports can likely stay in place.
In some cases, your data export may need adjustments to work with IRIS requirements. For example, older systems may combine name fields or format information differently than IRIS requires. We help review your data, identify any gaps, and determine the best path forward.
We work with many types of systems, from spreadsheets and accounting software to payroll platforms and larger business systems. In most cases, we can work with the tools you already use. The best time to review your process is before filing season, so you have time to address any changes without last-minute stress.
What should we do if our current process involves multiple systems or vendors?
IRIS requires a more streamlined filing process with one authorized filer responsible for the submission. If your current process involves multiple parties preparing and submitting pieces of your filing separately, you may need to adjust your workflow.
The good news is that your information does not need to come from a single system. You can continue using your existing payroll, accounting, benefits, or other business systems. You simply need to bring your recipient and payment information together into one organized file.
We handle the rest. As your filing partner, we review your data, prepare it for IRIS requirements, submit it to the IRS, and help address any issues that may come up.
Every organization’s process is different, so we recommend reviewing your workflow before filing season begins to ensure a smooth transition.
Do you offer printing and mailing services?
Yes. We can help with recipient mailing, too. In addition to filing your forms with the IRS, we can handle sending the required copies to your vendors, contractors, and other recipients.
Recipient delivery is a separate requirement from IRS filing, with its own deadline and compliance requirements. Many organizations choose to manage mailing themselves, while others prefer the convenience of having one provider handle the entire process.
Our print-and-mail service makes it easy. After you review and approve your forms, we send them to our secure print-and-mail partner for printing, mailing, and delivery. Your recipients receive their forms while your sensitive information remains protected.
To help meet the January 31 mailing deadline, we recommend having your final approved data ready by mid-January. We’ll guide you through the process and help make sure everything is ready to go.
What does it cost to file through 1099IRIS?
Our pricing is designed to be simple and predictable. Instead of charging based on software licenses or annual subscriptions, we price by the form type you file.
Each filing submission covers one form type, such as 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. A submission can include any number of recipients or payers within that file, and you only pay based on the actual number of recipients being filed.
Your price includes the processing work needed to prepare and submit your filing electronically to the IRS. There’s no software to purchase, no annual subscription, and no hidden fees.
Additional services, such as recipient print-and-mail delivery and Bulk TIN Matching, are available if you need them and are priced separately based on your recipient count.
Why should we sign up with 1099IRIS early?
The earlier you start, the smoother your transition to IRIS will be. For many organizations, the biggest challenge is not the filing itself. It’s getting their data ready for the new requirements.
Preparing for IRIS may involve reviewing recipient information, confirming tax IDs, and making sure your payer details are accurate and properly formatted. For some businesses, this is a quick update. For others, it may uncover data issues that take time to resolve.
Starting early gives you time to get everything right without the pressure of a filing deadline. We’ll help review your data, guide you through the setup process, and make sure you’re comfortable with the filing workflow before January arrives.
Because this is the first year all organizations are transitioning from FIRE to IRIS, filing providers may be especially busy during peak season. Getting started early helps ensure you have the support and time you need for a smooth filing experience.
What about the 1099-NEC form changes for overtime pay and tips?
New reporting requirements can take time to fully roll out. Some recent legislation may affect how certain payments, such as overtime and tip income, are reported on future 1099 forms. However, the IRS is still finalizing the details, and many payroll and accounting systems are waiting for the official requirements before making updates.
For now, most organizations should continue using the current reporting process and wait for final IRS guidance. We’re monitoring these changes closely and will update our templates and provide clear instructions as soon as the official requirements are available.
Another change to be aware of is the increase in the 1099 reporting threshold for certain contractor payments (from $600 to $2000). If you previously issued 1099s based on the old threshold, it’s a good idea to review your vendor list before filing to confirm which payments still need to be reported.
We’ll continue tracking these updates and keep our clients informed so you can file confidently and stay compliant.
What types of information returns can I file with 1099IRIS?
We support the most commonly filed 1099 forms, including 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and many others. Our filing services are built for businesses of all sizes, from small companies to high-volume filers.
How long does it take to submit my 1099s with 1099IRIS?
We support the most commonly filed 1099 forms, including 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and many others. Our filing services are built for businesses of all sizes, from small companies to high-volume filers.
How long does it take to submit my 1099s with 1099IRIS?
Most filings are submitted within a few hours to a few business days after your data is uploaded, depending on filing volume, approaching deadlines, and the accuracy of the information provided. Once your filing has been successfully submitted, you'll receive confirmation that the IRS has received it.









