BanditAI
If Your Existing System Isn't IRIS-Ready, We've Got You.
FIRE to IRIS Transition: Prepare for the 2027 Filing Season
The FIRE to IRIS transition changes how businesses and tax professionals file information returns beginning with tax year 2026. TaxBandits helps you move your existing filing data to an IRIS-ready workflow without rebuilding your current process.
- No TCC or extra setup required.
- Guided data import from any source
- Errors caught before you file
- Fixes and resubmissions are always free
Need Help Switching to IRIS?
Let’s talk. Tell us what you need to know, and we'll walk you through the switch. No guesswork, no obligation.
IRS-authorized e-file provider
99.3% IRS acceptance rate
SOC 2 Compliant
IRIS-ready since 2024
FIRE to IRIS
What's Actually Changing for Information Return Filers?
Here's what's actually different, side by side.
| Feature | FIRE System | IRIS with TaxBandits BEST |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | Old flat file format (1220) |
Structured, modern format (XML)
|
| Submission Options | Only through the FIRE portal |
Portal for smaller filers, direct API for high-volume filers
|
| Corrections Process | Filed manually in the old format |
Filed using a unique ID tied to each return, faster and more precise
|
| Validation | Basic checks only after upload |
Checked against IRS rules in real time, before issues become rejections
|
| Filing Status Types | Only Accepted or Rejected |
Accepted, Rejected, and a new "Accepted with Errors" status
|
| Status Tracking | You had to check manually |
Automatic status updates and confirmations
|
| Authentication | Required a TCC code |
Requires an IRIS TCC, plus an API Client ID for high-volume filers
|
FOR EVERY KIND OF FILER
However You File, There’s a Clear Path to IRIS.
Moving to IRIS doesn't look the same for everyone. TaxBandits meets you where you’re at to move your filing forward.
Provider Not Ready?
Don’t wait for your provider to catch up. TaxBandits is already authorized and filing on IRIS.
Already Filing on FIRE?
Keep the workflow you know. No need to rebuild. You can migrate your filing process to IRIS without starting from scratch.
Filing for Clients?
Moving multiple clients to IRIS shouldn't multiply your workload. File client returns and corrections from one platform that’s fully supported.
Still Paper Filing?
Crossing the e-file threshold and moving to IRIS at the same time? Take care of both in one move with a platform built for exactly this.
BUILT FOR IRIS, AHEAD OF TIME
How TaxBandits Simplifies the FIRE to IRIS Transition
Getting IRIS-authorized early gave us time to align our systems with its requirements, rather than scrambling to catch
up once the mandate hit. Here's how that shows up in every part of your filing, step by step.
Bring in your data.
Whether you're pulling data out of FIRE or exporting from your existing software, you don't need to reformat or clean your data. We take it as is.
- FIRE file upload: Still have a FIRE file? Our system converts it for you post-upload. Coming Soon
- CSV import: Have your data in a spreadsheet? Upload it as is, so nothing gets missed.
- Accounting software integrations: Connect Xero, FreshBooks, Zoho Books, or QuickBooks so your data flows in with no manual entry.
Catch errors that IRIS won't let slide.
IRIS holds data to a higher standard than FIRE ever did, so information that FIRE once accepted can now stop your filing. We check every field and match TINs upfront, so your data is IRIS-ready before transmission.
- TIN Matching: We verify TIN and name combinations upfront, so a simple mismatch doesn't lead to costly penalties.
- Field-Level Validation: We check every required field, not just the ones likely to cause problems.
- Smart Review: Our guided validation check flags missing information and inconsistencies before they reach IRIS.
File directly to the IRS.
After validation, we send it directly to the IRS through our IRIS authorization. You file. We handle the rest, from validation to submission.
- Direct, instant transmission: Your return goes straight to the IRS the moment you file.
- Real-time status tracking: Know your exact return status: Accepted, Rejected, or Accepted with Errors.
If something needs a fix, that’s on us.
Keep filings moving forward, even if issues arise. Corrections and retransmissions are covered when you file with us.
- No-cost corrections: If your 1099 returns are "Accepted with Errors", we cover the cost to file corrections.
- Automated W-9 requests: Many issues stem from TIN mismatches. We contact recipients to request updated information, so you don't have to.
- Retransmit rejected returns: If a return is rejected, we help you identify the issue and get it resubmitted.
- IRS notice assistance: If you receive an IRS notice, don’t handle it alone. We’re here to guide you through resolving it.
FEDERAL AND STATE, TOGETHER
IRIS Covers the IRS. We Cover the Rest.
IRIS only handles your federal filing. States don't all follow the same rules, and some require their own separate filing altogether. TaxBandits handles both, so you're not managing two processes.
- Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) for participating states
- Direct state filing where CF/SF isn't accepted
- One filing process, no separate state submission to manage
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the FIRE to IRIS Transition
IRIS stands for Information Returns Intake System. It is the IRS platform replacing FIRE for electronic information return filing. Beginning with tax year 2026 returns filed in 2027, IRIS will be the only intake system for information returns previously filed through FIRE. These include supported Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, W-2G, 1042-S, and 8027. Forms such as W-2 and 941 continue to use separate filing systems.
The IRS will stop accepting information return submissions through FIRE on November 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET. Beginning January 1, 2027, IRIS will be the only electronic filing system for information returns previously filed through FIRE.
- Tax year 2025 returns are the final returns eligible for FIRE filing
- Tax year 2026 returns, filed beginning in early 2027, must be submitted through IRIS
After November 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET, FIRE will no longer accept information return submissions. Filers without an IRIS-ready workflow will need to complete the transition before they can electronically file current-year, prior-year, or corrected returns during the 2027 filing season.
Yes, but not through FIRE after its final submission deadline. Beginning January 1, 2027, prior-year and corrected information returns previously supported by FIRE must be submitted through IRIS.
Any outstanding prior-year 1099 series, 1042-S, 5498, or 3921/3922 filings still pending on FIRE will need to be filed through IRIS after that date instead.
A Transmitter Control Code (TCC) is required to transmit returns to the IRS, and typically, moving to a new filing system requires applying for a new TCC and waiting on IRS approval.
If you file directly through IRIS, you generally need an IRIS-specific TCC. If you file through TaxBandits, you do not need to apply for your own IRIS TCC because TaxBandits transmits the returns through its authorized filing system.
Returns already submitted through FIRE remain unaffected. However, returns prepared but not submitted before the final FIRE deadline must be filed through IRIS once FIRE is no longer available.
"Accepted with Errors" is a new filing status introduced under IRIS. It indicates that the IRS accepted the return but identified an issue, often a TIN or name mismatch, that still requires correction.
This is not a rejection. The return is considered filed, but a correction must be submitted. TaxBandits identifies the issue and assists with correction filing at no additional cost.
Ready to Switch to IRIS?
Make the transition from FIRE to IRIS seamless with TaxBandits. File your 1099 series, 1042-S, 5498, and 3921/3922 returns on
one platform with guided data import, built-in validations, direct IRS filing, and easy corrections—all in one place.
