Electronic filing of information returns allows filers to submit Form 1042-S (PDF), Forms 1098, Form 1099, Forms 5498, Form 8027 (PDF), Form W2-G (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 that, in many cases, is more cost-effective and easier than filing on paper or magnetic media. The electronic filing of information returns is not associated with the Form 1040 (PDF) electronic filing program.

The FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) system will accept most software data compression programs, allows high-speed transmissions and offers non-peak telephone hours. The FIRE system is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by dialing (304) 262-2400. This number supports analog connections from 1200bps to 56Kbps or ISDN BRI 128Kbps connections. 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 Hyper Terminal, ProComm, etc.

After you file your returns, you must dial back to the FIRE system in 1-2 workdays for Forms 1098, 1099, 5498, and W-2G to find out if IRS accepted your file. For Form 1042-S, 8027, and W-4, filers can verify the status of their file within 20 workdays.

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

For further information, refer to Publication 1220 (PDF), Publication 1187 (PDF), Publication 1239 (PDF), or Publication 1245. Additional information can also be obtained by contacting the Information Reporting Program Call Site at (304) 263-8700, or by using Telecommunications for the Deaf, TDD, (304) 267-3367 between 8:30am and 4:30pm Eastern Standard Time.

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