When you submit ACA forms electronically, the IRS requires you to follow a very strict IRS Form Data File Naming Convention. If you don’t follow this exact structure, your submission will be rejected. Therefore, understanding and applying the correct format helps you avoid delays and penalties.
Standard IRS File Name Format
The IRS provides a specific file name structure. The general format is:
Where:
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<form_type>= B (Form 1095-B) or C (Form 1095-C). -
<TCC>= Your five-character Transmitter Control Code issued by the IRS. -
<Date>= Filing date formatted as YYYYMMDD. -
<TimeStamp>= Time in ISO 8601 format with restricted characters removed.
This structure ensures that every submission can be identified quickly and processed without errors.
Date and Time Format
The IRS requires timestamps in the following format:
Explanation:
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YYYY = four-digit year
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MM = two-digit month (01–12)
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DD = two-digit day (01–31)
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hh = two-digit hour (00–23)
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mm = two-digit minutes
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ss = two-digit seconds
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s = optional fraction of a second
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TZD = time zone designator (Z for UTC, or ±hhmm for offset)
As a result, IRS systems can process files consistently no matter when or where they were created.
Examples of Proper File Naming
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Example with full timestamp:
2015-08-23T18:15:31.481Z→ 181531 and 481 milliseconds (UTC Z). -
IRS example:
01012020Z→ 01:01:02 and 000 milliseconds (UTC Z).
For example, these formats show how timestamps are converted into file-safe text.
Why the IRS File Naming Rules Matter
If the file name does not follow the official convention, the IRS AIR system will reject the submission. Consequently, this can lead to delays, rejection notices, and late penalties. By using the proper naming rules, you can ensure your 1095-B and 1095-C forms are accepted the first time.
How 1099FIRE Can Help
At 1099FIRE, we make IRS compliance easier by:
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Automating ACA e-filing with properly formatted file names.
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Managing IRS AIR system requirements, including TCC codes and XML structures.
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Supporting clients with rejected filings so they can avoid penalties.
👉 Need help with ACA e-filing? Contact 1099FIRE today and let us ensure your files meet the IRS Form Data File Naming Convention.