Who Must File Information Returns Electronically?
In general, individuals and businesses are only required to file information returns electronically if they submit at least 10 returns during the calendar year.
If you are filing fewer than 10 returns, you may choose to file either electronically or on paper.
This 10-return threshold is an aggregate of nearly all information return types covered by the regulation, as opposed to the previous rule, which applied a 250-return threshold per return type.
For more details, refer to the IRS and Treasury's final regulations on electronic filing for businesses or see 26 CFR § 301.6011-2.
Electronic Filing Options by Return Type
There are several systems available for electronically filing information returns, depending on the form type.
✅ FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically)
The FIRE system is used to electronically file the following forms:
1042-S – Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding
1097-BTC – Bond Tax Credit
1098 series – Mortgage Interest, Student Loan Interest, and Tuition Statements
1099 series – Miscellaneous Income, Nonemployee Compensation, and other payments
3921 – Exercise of an Incentive Stock Option Plan
3922 – Transfer of Stock Acquired through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
5498 series – IRA Contribution Information
8027 – Employer’s Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips
8955-SSA – Annual Registration Statement Identifying Separated Participants with Deferred Vested Benefits
8596 – Information Return for Federal Contracts
W-2G – Certain Gambling Winnings
For more information, visit the FIRE system page on the IRS website.
✅ IRIS (Information Returns Intake System)
The IRIS system is a free, online portal available for e-filing information returns for tax year 2022 or later.
No special software is required, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
For detailed instructions, refer to Publication 5717, the IRIS Taxpayer Portal User Guide.
✅ SSA (Social Security Administration)
Employers filing a combined total of 10 or more information returns, including Form W-2, are required to file electronically.
To electronically file Forms W-2 with the SSA, use Business Services Online (BSO).
For assistance, contact the SSA at:
800-772-6270 (TTY: 800-325-0778).
✅ IDES (International Data Exchange Service)
Forms 8966, FATCA Report, are filed electronically through the IDES system.
Financial institutions are required to e-file Form 8966, regardless of the number of forms submitted.
While not mandatory for all other filers, electronic filing is strongly encouraged.
For more details, visit the IDES portal.
✅ AIR (Affordable Care Act Information Returns)
ACA information returns and transmittals must be filed electronically through the ACA Information Returns System (AIR).
This includes:
Form 1094-B – Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Returns.
Form 1095-B – Health Coverage.
Form 1094-C – Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns.
Form 1095-C – Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage.
For more information, visit the AIR system page on the IRS website.
✅ Key Takeaways:
Electronic filing is required for filers submitting 10 or more information returns during the calendar year.
Those filing fewer than 10 returns may choose to file either electronically or on paper.
Various e-filing systems are available based on the type of return:
FIRE – For forms like 1099, 1042-S, and W-2G.
IRIS – Free e-filing portal for tax year 2022 and later.
SSA – For Form W-2 submissions.
IDES – For Form 8966 (FATCA Reports).
AIR – For Affordable Care Act (ACA) information returns.