IRS Announces the Retirement of the FIRE Site: How Our Company Will Assist You in a Seamless Transition to the New IRIS Site

Amy H

In a significant development for tax professionals, the IRS has officially announced the retirement of the, “Filing Information Returns Electronically” FIRE site, which has been a cornerstone for the electronic filing of certain information returns for over two decades and used a flat-file 1220 format, required TCCs (Transmitter Control Codes), and operated via a secure upload portal. But it was never designed for real-time processing, modern APIs, or XML-based schemas—making it increasingly difficult to maintain.

As the IRS moves to modernize its systems and streamline its processes through a new platform, Information Returns Intake System” IRIS, we understand that this change may raise concerns and questions for many businesses that rely on FIRE for compliance and reporting.

Here at National Software, dba 1099FIRE, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition during this shift. Our mission to provide exceptional US based human customer support remains at the core of our operations, and we have prepared a thorough strategy to guide you through the steps required for a successful transition. Whether you are filing on your own, or you are seeking the assistance of a third party filer (often referred to as a transmitter), we have a solution for you. Below, we will outline our approach to preparedness, including the steps you need to take to adapt to the IRS’s new system, as well as how our company is here to assist every step of the way.

Understanding the transition: What you need to know

The IRS’s decision to retire the FIRE site means that businesses and tax professionals will need to shift to new methods for filing information returns electronically. This change primarily affects the filing of forms such as 1099s (1099 NEC, 1099 MISC, 1099 DIV, 1042-S), and other informational documents, which were previously submitted via FIRE.

The IRS has announced that the transition take effect for the 2026 filing season (this means filing 2026 reporting in the year 2027. The replacement e-filing platform will be the IRIS system.

What does this mean for you?

The FIRE system will still be available for the 2026 filing season. National Software, dba 1099FIRE will continue to utilize the FIRE system while simultaneously assisting our customers through this transition.
The IRIS system has very specific requirements for filing electronically, including a new TCC application, a new data format for both collecting data and converting to the IRS e-filing requirements.
The IRS is encouraging filers, individual or third-party providers to prepare for the upcoming change.

Our company’s steps for preparedness

At National Software, dba 1099FIRE, we understand that change can be overwhelming. That’s why we have taken proactive steps to ensure that our clients can smoothly navigate this transition and remain compliant. Our approach to preparedness includes:

Proactive Communication and Education
We have created a comprehensive set of resources to educate our clients on the upcoming changes. This includes webinars, detailed guides, FAQs, and direct communication outlining the retirement of the FIRE site and the new electronic filing options provided by the IRS. We aim to ensure that our clients are fully informed and ready to make the necessary adjustments before the transition takes effect.
Dedicated Customer Support Team
Our commitment to providing exceptional human customer support has never been stronger. We have assembled a team of experienced customer support specialists who are specifically trained to assist clients with the transition to the new IRS filing systems. Whether you need help understanding the changes, navigating new portals, or troubleshooting technical issues, our team is here to help every step of the way. We provide personalized support, ensuring that your business stays on track and compliant.
Seamless Integration with New IRIS System
In collaboration with the IRS’s updated platforms, we have already begun testing and integrating our systems to ensure that we can offer a seamless experience for our clients. Our goal is to eliminate any disruptions and ensure that your filing processes are as efficient as possible. By working closely with the IRS, we can guarantee that your filings will continue to be completed accurately and on time.
Custom Solutions Tailored to Your Business
Every business has unique needs, and our company is here to offer customized solutions for each client. Whether you’re a small business, a large corporation, or a tax professional with a range of clients, we offer flexible tools and expert guidance to meet your specific filing requirements. Our team will help you identify the best course of action for your unique situation, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
Ongoing Training and Resources
To further support the transition, we will be hosting ongoing training sessions to familiarize you with the new filing systems and tools. These sessions will provide a hands-on approach to using the new system, addressing common concerns, and offering troubleshooting tips. Additionally, our support team will be available to answer any questions during these sessions, giving you a chance to receive real-time assistance.
Timely Updates and Monitoring
As the IRS continues to evolve its filing systems, we will monitor the changes closely and keep you updated with any new developments. We believe that staying ahead of any updates ensures that you won’t be caught off guard by any last-minute changes. Our team will ensure that you’re always operating with the most current information.

How we provide US based human customer support throughout the transition

At the heart of our services is our unwavering commitment to human customer support. Transitioning from the FIRE system may involve complex tasks, especially for businesses that rely on accurate and timely filing. That’s why we believe in providing personal, hands-on assistance to guide you through this process.

Our customer support team is not just a call center. We view every interaction as an opportunity to provide personalized, one-on-one support that aligns with the unique needs of your business. When you call us for help, you can expect clear, direct communication with a trained expert who can answer your questions, offer guidance, and troubleshoot any challenges that may arise during the transition.

We also understand that filing deadlines are critical, and missing a deadline can result in costly penalties. That’s why we are dedicated to offering timely and efficient assistance to ensure you stay compliant with all IRS filing requirements.

Looking ahead: Embracing the future of filing systems

While the retirement of the FIRE site is a significant change, it also marks the beginning of a more modern and efficient era for electronic filing (IRIS). The new IRIS systems will be better equipped to handle the demands of the ever-evolving tax landscape, and we are excited to help our clients embrace these changes.

At National Software, dba 1099FIRE, we are fully prepared to help you navigate this transition with ease, confidence, and minimal disruption. Our mission is to provide the human touch in a world that is increasingly becoming automated, and we are here to ensure that your filing experience remains straightforward, reliable, and stress-free.

We are confident that, together, we will successfully transition to the new system and continue to ensure that your business stays compliant, no matter what changes lie ahead.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your IRS filing transition, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team. We are here to help you every step of the way.

How can we help you?

– It all starts with a call – it’s that simple. We understand that navigating all this information can be mind-blowing. Just give us a call!

Allow one of our friendly staff members to simplify this for you. No pressure. No obligation. Just helpful information.

Contact Us

Final thoughts!

The retirement of FIRE marks the end of an era—and the beginning of a faster, more flexible e-file future. IRIS brings efficiency, security, and real-time validation to a process that’s long needed modernization.

At 1099FIRE, we’ve been helping clients transition to IRIS since day one. Whether you’re filing one form or one million, we’re here to help you convert your workflow, validate your data, and submit with confidence.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

pam B.

14:38 25 Aug 25

I have used 1099 Fire for a number of years to prepare and file 1099 and NEC01 data for our multiple entities and highly recommend this service. It is easy to use, the data can be reviewed prior to sending and they mail the 1099/NEC's directly to the recipients, eliminating that hassle.

Jason P.

13:40 25 Aug 25

A True Partner for 1099 Reporting
1099FIRE has been a game-changer for our organization. The platform is designed to make 1099 reporting so simple and easy, taking the typical year-end panic and making the entire process stress-free. They are now an integral and indispensable part of our compliance workflow. Not only do they handle all the complex IRS electronic submissions perfectly, but their system allows us to provide our many suppliers with remarkably fast reporting of their documents. For anyone looking to streamline tax season and gain complete peace of mind, we highly recommend 1099FIRE.

Michal S.

14:25 14 Aug 25

1099Fire has been our trusted partner for IRS filings over the past several years, handling the processing of hundreds of thousands of records on our behalf. Their process is consistently efficient and seamless, with an impressively quick turnaround time for filing results. The team at 1099Fire demonstrates exceptional professionalism, expertise, and responsiveness, always providing timely and thorough communication.

In particular, Amy H., my primary point of contact, has been outstanding to work with. She has guided us through the contracting process, ensuring that our needs are met and deadlines are achieved without issue. She has made the entire experience smooth and stress-free.

I highly recommend 1099Fire for any organization seeking a reliable, responsive, and highly capable partner for information return filings.

Vickie H.

12:46 12 Aug 25

We have used 1099FIRE / National Software for years. They have always been very helpful and answer any questions we might have with their software or if we run into any issues along the way. We highly recommend them!

Design I.

16:37 18 Jul 25

Best Customer Service on the market!!! 1095-C Software was easy to use, their sample document and instructional videos provided exceptionally clear instructions. We were doing a complicated process and the 1099Fire team, especially Dan and Amy went above and beyond to help us! I am extremely grateful we found them and cannot thank them enough for all of their help and expertise! We will absolutely use them again!!

Laurie H.

18:29 06 May 25

We did it again! We have been using 1099Fire to generate our 1094’s and 1095’s since the Affordable Care Act was passed and the filings were required. The customer service is 5 stars! Dan, Amy, and Abby are always very helpful and professional. I would strongly recommend them for all your filing needs.

American M.

22:50 08 Apr 25

I'd tried a competitor but have never changed since trying 1099Fire. They PICK UP THE PHONE and help with issues. I've tried both outsourcing to them (ACA reporting) and doing it myself, using their software. I went back to outsourcing, seeing how much time it can take to fix errors, how many complications can arise, and how much the IRS can F__k you for getting this wrong. Highly recommend 1099Fire! Dan and Amy are phenomenal!

Response from the owner 18:03 06 May 25

Thank you so much for your incredible review! We’re honored that you chose 1099Fire and stuck with us after trying other options. We pride ourselves on being available, helpful, and responsive—so it means a lot to hear that it made a difference for you. We know how complex IRS compliance can be, and we’re always here to make the process smoother. Dan and Amy will be thrilled to hear your kind words. Thanks again for the recommendation and for being a valued client! ~ Robin

Douglas D.

17:04 27 Mar 25

I have been working with 1099Fire for many years now. Their customer service top notch. Year after year they have help me get my tax forms filled in and filed correctly. I have worked with 100's of vendors over my 30 year career and 1099Fire has been one of the best.

Response from the owner 18:05 06 May 25

Thank you for your continued trust and loyalty over the years! We’re truly grateful to have been part of your tax filing process and are proud to know our customer service has consistently met your expectations. Coming from someone with such extensive experience, your kind words mean a lot to our entire team. ~ Robin

Reece R.

15:49 10 Mar 25

Wow! Another year in the books! 1099-FIRE makes the tax form filing process so much easier. The staff is knowledgeable and keep me informed on any changes from year to year. They are friendly and helpful when I have any problems occur to my software pulling the data they need to process forms. I love the timeline details they share so that all clients can get their filings submitted. WELL DONE 1099-FIRE...until next year!

Response from the owner 23:47 13 Mar 25

We’re incredibly grateful for your 5-star review Reece! Your feedback means the world to us and motivates us to keep doing our best. We have enjoyed our working relationship over the past 8 years. ~Abby

BOBBY S.

15:22 10 Mar 25

Jenkins & Wynne Ford Lincoln Honda has been a client of 1099FIRE for several years. The staff is very helpful, courteous, and proficient in filing IRS returns. 1099FIRE has generated our ACA1094 and ACA1095 filings since the inception of this required program with the IRS. 1099FIRE also generates our 1099MISC and 1099NEC's each year as well. We can highly recommend this company for your tax filing needs.

Response from the owner 16:11 10 Mar 25

Your continued business is a testament to our relationship, and we thank you for it. We have enjoyed working with Jenkins and Wynne over the years. ~Abby

Jennifer S.

12:11 21 Feb 25

For the past two years I've had a great experience with the pleasant, upbeat and professional staff at 1099FIRE. The site is quite easy to use and timeliness is top notch. Thank you!

Response from the owner 23:48 13 Mar 25

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that you were happy with our service. ~Abby

Meredith G.

20:16 12 Feb 25

Customer support team is very helpful and friendly! They went above and beyond and contacted me regarding an error on my forms. The time and money they saved me was so very much appreciated!! Highly recommend their services!!

Cory C.

00:44 12 Feb 25

I really like working with 1099Fire. They are extremely helpful and make tax filings very simple and efficient.

Response from the owner 22:42 07 Mar 25

We sincerely appreciate all the years of business. It has been a true pleasure working with you. - Robin