News Release IR-2026-99, issued August 24, 2026, alerts information return filers of the mandatory retirement of the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system and transition to the new Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) before the 2027 filing season. This modernization, authorized under the IRS’s IRA-funded Business Systems Modernization (BSM) portfolio, replaces the legacy FIRE platform—operational since 1996—with a cloud-based, API-driven architecture supporting real-time validation, enhanced error correction, and improved data analytics for Forms 1099 series, W-2, 1042-S, and 5498 series. The transition affects millions of payers, financial institutions, and service providers who collectively file over 4 billion information returns annually.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory Migration Deadline: All FIRE users must register for IRIS and complete testing by late 2026; FIRE will cease accepting submissions for Tax Year 2026 forms, requiring full cutover to IRIS for the January 2027 filing opening.
- Enhanced Data Quality Controls: IRIS introduces real-time schema validation and TIN matching at intake, significantly reducing the “B-Notice” (CP2100/CP2100A) backup withholding cycle caused by mismatched taxpayer identification numbers.
- API and Bulk Filing Capabilities: The new platform supports RESTful APIs for high-volume transmitters, enabling automated, programmatic filing workflows and eliminating the manual file upload constraints of the FIRE system.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement