IRIS: How to prepare 1099 data before filing

Suzette Ciplickas Updated by Suzette Ciplickas

Preparing your data before you file saves time and avoids the back-and-forth of corrections.
IRIS enforces stricter data standards than FIRE. Submissions that would have passed through FIRE may be rejected or flagged in IRIS.
IRIS requires a company name whenever an EIN is provided and an individual's name (first name, middle initial, and last name) whenever an SSN is provided.
  • IRIS requires distinct elements for first name, middle initial, last name, suffix, and business name. Separate name fields. Do not combine "First MI Last" fields for SSN. 

Refer to: Formatting the Recipient field on Forms 1099

EINs must follow the XX-XXXXXXX pattern. EINs must have the one line for the business name.

Refer to: Create IRS Bulk TIN Matching File

  • You can easily look at the name format and TIN format. Right Click on the data folder. Select "Sort Employer/Recipients by ID"
  • Standardize addresses. Use USPS-standard formatting. Remove special characters (ampersands, angle brackets, non-ASCII characters).
  • Duplicate records for the same payee/form type will cause issues. Remove duplicates or make sure the account number on the form is unique for each duplicate payee/form type .

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