FAQ 145: 8955-SSA --What are the General Steps for Filing through FIRE

Problem: What are the General Steps for Filing through the FIRE system if we want to be the Transmitter?

Solution: General Steps for users filing under FIRE: 1. If you are new to electronically transmitting information returns to the IRS, you must apply for a TCC using the IR application for TCC located on the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) | Internal Revenue Service website. Submit your IR Application for TCC by November 1st of the year before information return(s) are due to ensure you're ready to electronically file. Allowing 45 days for processing. The IR TCC application requires a Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax identification (ITIN) for system access and individual authentication. The new IR Application for TCC is available at: https://la.www4.irs.gov/esrv/esam/pages/landingPage.xhtml You must validate your identify using the latest IRS authentication process. The IRS now offers a sign-in option with ID.me, an IRS technology provider. ID.me is an account created, maintained and secured by a private technology provider. 2. When your IR Application for TCC is approved and completed, a five-character alphanumeric TCC is assigned to your business. An approval letter will be sent to the address listed on the IR Application informing you of your TCC. You can also view your TCC on the IR Application for TCC Summary page. A TCC will not be issued over the phone or via email. 3. You must obtain a TCC before you can establish a FIRE account to transmit files through the FIRE Systems. To create a new account you will need the TCC, EIN, Company Name as listed as Firm/Organization Legal Name on your IR Application for TCC. • Select “Create New Account” • Input TCC, EIN, and Company Name • Create User ID • Create and verify password • Select “Create” • If the message “Account Created” is received, select “OK” • Create and verify the 10-digit self-assigned PIN and select “Submit” • If the message “Your PIN has been successfully created” is received, select “OK” • Create and verify the Secret Phrase along with validation fields and select “Create” • If the message “Create Secret Phrase-Success” is received, select “OK” • You will be logged out automatically and will need to log back into confirm User Account was successfully created. 4. Download the electronic file from DGEM 5. Upload the file in FIRE • After logging in, go the Main Menu, • Select “Send Information Returns” • Verify and update company information as appropriate and/or select “Accept”. • The system will display; Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, Telephone #, Contact and Email Address. • Select one of the following: Original file, replacement file, correction file, test file. • Enter the 10-digit PIN • Click “Submit” • “Browse to locate the file and open it • Select “Upload” Note: When the upload is complete, the screen will display the total bytes received and display the name of the file just uploaded. The IRS recommends that you print the page for your records. If this page is not displayed on your screen, the IRS probably did not receive the file. To verify go to “Check File Status” option on the main menu. The IRS received the file if the file name is displayed and the count is equal to “0” and the results indicate “Not Yet Processed”.