SOFTWARE       for filing of all 1095-B, 1095-C, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, 8027, 8955-SSA, 8966 FATCA Report, W-2, W-2C, W-2G, and 1042-S tax forms.
Order Online or Call
phone icon
(877) 380-6474 (480) 706-6474 (480) 460-1052
1095 Software > Support > Import

1095-B, 1095-C AATS Test Scenarios, Communication Test

Transmitters and Issuers are required to complete communication testing to transmit 1095-B or 1095-C information returns to the IRS only for the first year in which they will transmit returns. In theory, you want to upload your own data as a communication test but you can't. Instead the IRS has created 8 test scenarios with fake names, addresses and SSNs and so on. You have to upload at least one of these communication tests to the IRS.

We list 2 test scenarios below; one is a sample 1095-B and the other a 1095-C. The excel files are something we at 1099FIRE put together. With our ACA 1095 Software, you can download any or all of the excel files, import into the software and then create the XML files for electronic filing. You then log into the IRS site and upload. Its easy to do and step-by-step instructions to efiling are here.

Test Scenario 1 (Tax Year 2016, 1095-B Data).xls

This is the easiest of all files and encorporates 1095-B data. Hanna Maritin and Dolly Martinez are covered by an individual market health insurance policy from Hidetestone, their employer. Both policies also include their spouses.

Test Scenario 2 (Tax Year 2015, 1095-B Data).xls

This scenario is the absolute hardest because there is an error in the file. In order to efile successfully, you create the XML files and then open the files, recreate the error, save and upload with the error. And the only way to learn about this error is to call the IRS repeatedly (which we did) or read through every one of the posts in the IRS Webinar's (which we did as well). To keep things simple, we have not posted the excel file for this scenario.

Test Scenario 3 (Tax Year 2016, 1095-C Data).xls

Selitestthree is an employer reporting health coverage for 3 employees. The employer does not provide self-insured coverage.


How to Upload a Communication Test?

  1. Download and install and run the latest version of the 1095 software.

    2. You can download the software from this link

    https://www.1099fire.com/try_now.htm

    Run the software. Click on either 1095-B or 1095-C. Or click on Check for Live Update in the software to get the latest version.

  2. Import

    3. Select Import and a box will pop up. Select Browse at the top of page and find either a 1095-B sample excel file or a 1095-C sample excel file. Hit Test to make sure the data lines up with the form. Hit Import.

  3. Go to the 1094 form.

    4. The data imported. Click the Forward to go to the 1094 screen. For these sample excel files, the 1094-B and/or 1094-C data imported as well. You don't need to click the Gather button. You can if you want to.

  4. Create the Manifest and Data Files

    5. Click Electronically File 1094/1095 at top of page and a new box will will appear. Answer a few questions on this screen.
    • a. Are you e-filing a prior year? Select No from the drop-down list.
    • b. Enter your IRS Transmitter Control Code or TCC number.
    • c. “Is this a test file?” Select Yes and the respective scenario you are preparing.
    • d. In the lower right-hand column, enter your Transmitter EIN and Transmitter Business Name. For the business name, do not use a comma or period or ampersand.
    On the right-hand side, generate the Form Data File and then the Manifest File. Select AIR UI Channel Login button. This will open an Internet browser to the IRS portal.

  5. Upload the Manifest and Data Files

    6. Enter your Username and Password and select Login. Select your Organization name. Select AATS 2016. Select Upload ACA Forms. Browse to upload the manifest file and then browse to upload the data file. Both files are on the C: drive, FIRE folder, XML subfolder.

    Once you transmit, you will receive a receipt ID that looks like RECEIPT ID: AATS1095B-15-0000XXXX

  6. Check Transmission Status

    7. Hit the back button twice on your browser and this time, instead of hitting Upload ACA Forms, click on Check Transmission Status and enter your TCC number and the Receipt ID you just received. You should achieve

    Status: Accepted

    If you do great. You have one last step. Call IRS Technical Services at 866-937-4130 x1 x3 and provide your TCC number and that Receipt ID. The IRS will move your account from Test to Production.

    If you don't efile successfully, try emailing us at support@1099fire.com and we can help or try calling Dan at (480) 706-6474 and he can guide you through the communication test.