Electronic Filing of Information Returns

This is archived information that pertains only to the 2003 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.

Electronic filing of information returns allows filers to submit Form 1042-S (PDF), Forms 1098, Form 1099, Form 5498 (PDF), Form 8027 (PDF), Form W-2G (PDF), and Form W-4 (PDF) using a modem and telephone lines. Although electronic filing is not a requirement, it is an alternate method of filing information returns. The benefits of filing Information Returns electronically can be more cost–effective, easier than filing on paper or magnetic media and a later due date when filing. The electronic filing of information returns is not associated with the Form 1040 (PDF) electronic filing program.

The FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) System accepts files compressed with PKZip or WINZip, allows high-speed transmissions and offers non-peak telephone hours. The system is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can contact the electronic filing system by dialing (304) 262–2400. This number supports analog connections from 1200bps to 56Kbps or ISDN BRI 128Kbps. The system can be accessed via your Dial-Up network/web browser (Internet Explorer 4.0, Netscape Navigator 2.0, or later versions required) or communications software such as HyperTerminal, ProComm, etc.

After you file your returns via the FIRE System, you must dial back to the system in 1–2 workdays for Forms 1098, 1099, 5498, and W–2G to find out if IRS accepted your file. If the file is good, it is released for mainline processing 10 calendar days from receipt. Forms 1042–S, 8027, and W-4, filers requires a longer processing time.

The format requirements for filing information returns electronically are the same as the requirements for filing on magnetic media.

For further information, refer to the following Publication 1187 (PDF) , Publication 1220 (PDF), andPublication 1239 (PDF) or Publication 1245. Publications can be ordered by calling 1 (800) 829–3676. Further information can also be obtained by contacting the Information Reporting Program, Customer Service Section, by calling toll free at 1 (866) 455–7438, or by using Telecommunications for the Deaf (TDD), at (304) 267–3367 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.