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Applying for IRIS Transmitter Control Code (TCC)

Greg Hatfield Updated by Greg Hatfield

There are different types of TCC's (Transmitter Control Codes).

  • FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically)
  • IRIS (IRS Information Return Intake System).

IRIS or FIRE?

See Differences between e-filing with FIRE and IRIS.

CFS recommends that CFS Payroll System users should transition to IRIS now because FIRE will be unavailable starting January 1, 2027.

Applying for an IRIS TCC

You must apply for an IRIS TCC to file 1099's with IRIS, even if you already have a FIRE TCC.

Sole Proprietors - You must have an EIN to apply for an IRIS TCC code.
The guide that follows are generalized and not a click-by-click instructions like our FIRE application article. Since both processes are similar, you may refer to the FIRE application article if you need further help.
For detailed IRIS TCC Instructions, see IRIS App for TCC.
  1. Go to the IRIS portal. When completing the application, be sure to:
    1. Fill out the Firm Information page.
    You must acknowledge if you will be participating in the Combined Federal/State Filing Program (CF/SF). If you select ‘Yes’, a pop-up box will ask you to confirm your selection.
    For additional information, see 1099 E-Filing: IRIS CSV Portal Combined Fed/State filing.
    1. Choose Taxpayer Portal for Transmission Method.
    2. Chose Form 1099 Series for Forms.
    3. Choose one of the Roles.
    Issuer: A business that will only transmit information returns for the company listed on the application.
    Transmitter: A third-party business that will transmit information returns on behalf of their own company and/or other businesses not listed on the application.
  2. After receiving your IRIS TCC, log into the IRIS portal.

For more information Please see

About the IRIS portal

The IRIS portal was opened in early 2023 and allows filers to submit Information Returns (1098, 1099s, W2-G) to the IRS electronically. Forms may be completed manually online or a CSV file containing the form information may be uploaded. Either way, users may review, edit, and submit the returns to the IRS, as well as print recipient copies.

IRIS has two filing methods:

  • Taxpayer Portal. Compatible with Payroll System. Up to 250 records may be filed at a time.
  • A2A (Application to Application). Not compatible with Payroll System.

A2A is used by software companies who transmit returns and large bulk filers, and requires direct transmission from the transmitter's computer to the IRS and retrieval of acknowledgements. CFS does not receive and transmit our customer's data and the IRS method of A2A transmission makes it unfeasible for our users to be the A2A transmitter using our software.

How did we do?

Applying for FIRE Transmitter Control Code (TCC)

Are you sure you filed ALL your 1099's on IRS's tricky IRIS site?

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