How can I submit one (1) required communication test with the IRS?
You want to electronically file IRS Forms 1095-B with their 1094-B transmittal summary and/or you want to electronically file IRS Forms 1095-C with the 1094-C transmittal summary. That’s great.
The first step is getting a transmitter control code or TCC number. Step by step instructions to attaining the TCC number for the IRS AIR System are at this link
ACA Application for Transmitter Control Code (TCC Number)
The TCC number that you attain from the IRS AIR System is different from the TCC number you would attain to electronically file 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498 forms. Its a different and a different way of efiling.
Once you have the TCC number, you need to upload one (1) successful test file. Here is the catch. It can’t be with your data. The IRS set up 6 test scenarios with fake data. You have to successfully efile one of those test scenarios to the IRS before efiling your data.
The test scenarios are written out examples. We converted those examples to excel. You can import the test excel file into the software, click on “File Information Returns Electronically”, type in your transmitter TCC and contact information, generate the XML files and upload them to the IRS. We can guide you through this as well. One successful and you will feel better about the electronic filing experience. Call technical support at 608-444-6575 anytime and they can guide you through this test filing.
by 
Erich J. Ruth
Erich J. Ruth provides technical support for National Software which is the parent company for 1099FIRE. 1099FIRE develops and markets a comprehensive range of products that enables any size of business or institution to effectively manage and comply with year-end filing requirements. 1099FIRE is an employee-owned company located in Phoenix, Arizona.
If you have any questions or comments about our software, feel free to contact us at any time.
I have our TCC and am a Registered User for the 1095 Software. Where are the instructions on how to use the 1099FIRE software to conduct the required test? I can’t find anything in your software package.
Excellent question. Dan at (480) 460-9311 can guide you through the communication test. He will have
time late next week to start walking clients through. We will post instructions early next week that
shows step-by-step how to run the communication test. Its easy to do. We just need a little more time.
Hi – I, too, am wondering when we can commence with the required one-time test upload? We’re getting awfully close to yearend craziness and would love to have this behind us! Thank you!
Its easy to do. Here are the steps.
1. Download and install the latest version of the software. You can download
the software from this link
https://www.1099fire.com/try_now.htm
Let it install over the current version. We have made many changes to the software;
downloading will provide the latest version.
2. Go to this link
https://www.1099fire.com/support/import/index.htm
There are 2 Test Scenarios on that link (and more test scenarios might be added).
Test Scenario #1 has 1095-B data. Test Scenario #7 has 1095-C data. Download one
or both files.
3. Run the 1095 software. Go to the 1095-B or 1095-C. Import the respective excel
file into the software. Test 1 imports into the 1095-B and Test 7 into the 1095-C.
4. Once you import, click the Forward button (located in the upper left corner of the
software) to go to the 1094. Click Gather. Click File Information Returns Electronically.
5. A box will pop up. Most of your data should pull in.
a. Type in your TCC or transmitter control code.
b. The software asks “Is this a test file?”. Select Yes, Test 1 or Yes, Test 7.
c. Type in the transmitter EIN and business name. The business name can not have a comma
or period or ampersand in the name.
6. Create the form data file and then the manifest file. Both files are created on the C:
drive, FIRE folder, XML 1095 subfolder.
7. Click AIR UI Channel Login or go to this link
https://www.irs.gov/for-Tax-Pros/Software-Developers/Information-Returns/Affordable-Care-Act-Information-Return-AIR-Program
and click on “AIR UI Channel Login”.
8. Login. Click on AATS 2016. Click on Upload ACA Forms. Browse and upload the manifest and then browse
and upload the data file. After you upload, you should receive an ID number. Copy that number.
9. Hit the back button twice and instead of clicking on Upload ACA Forms, click on Check Transmission Status.
Type in the TCC and Receipt ID and hit submit and the file status should be Accepted.
If you have questions, call Dan at 480-460-9311. Or email questions to support@1099fire.com.
Thank you so much for the detailed instructions. We passed the test this morning!
Good work. This link
https://www.1099fire.com/support/import/1095_test_scenarios.htm
has almost all of the Test Scenarios in excel. You can import any of these excel files into the software,
create the XML and upload and they should all come back as Accepted.
Once I figured out that my TCC number had a zero rather than a capital O, I too passed the test. Thank you for the detailed instructions!
Is the software updated to the extent that we can print and e-file yet?
Instructions and test data well done. We have passed testing and are ready to go. We will be printing our 1095C for employees tomorrow.
Hi – We’ve successfully completed our test file upload, we’ve printed our 1095C’s and just now tried e-filing our 1094/1095’s. The file is not being accepted with the error message being: “Our system has detected a potential threat in the file you are attempting to transmit and it can not be transmitted. Please check the file and try again.”
Can you provide any assistance, or direct me to someone who can help figure out what this ‘threat’ is? Thank you!
My file is being rejected with TIN Validation failed.
Instruction 5c above says to enter EIN and Business name. Which fields should I replace and which should I leave with example data?
Are you using the most current test scenarios? The IRS has changed the test scenario data 3 times now
since October of 2015. The most current test scenarios can be downloaded here
https://www.1099fire.com/support/import/1095_test_scenarios.htm
Try Test 3. I tested that one myself.
In the test scenario, my create button isn’t available. How do I get to work so that I can create the form data file and then the manifest file to do my testing?
The software needs to be registered. Once it is registered, the Create button will be active. Sales
can register the software or if you order online the shopping cart will provide a passcode to activate
the software. Sales can be reached at 480-460-9311.
We have used the 1099 software in prior years. Are we required to submit a new test file or can we proceed in the production phase?
You can efile production at any time.