Filing Your Return(s) and Paying Taxes

IRS e-file

Information Returns/FIRE System

Description:

An information return is the tax document used to report certain types of payments made by financial institutions and others who make payments as a part of their trade or business as required by Internal Revenue Code Regulations. Information returns are filed electronically using a modem and asynchronous communications. Typically, modems for desktop computers of all types are capable of asynchronous communications. Certain information returns can be filed electronically using the FIRE (File Information Returns Electronically) system. FIRE is dedicated exclusively to the filing of Forms 1042-S, 1098, 1099, 5498, 8027, W-2G, and QWF (Questionable Forms W-4). Note: Forms W-2 are filed with the Social Security Administration.

Features & Benefits:

Confidence & Accuracy

• Returns are processed quickly with few errors (less than one percent)
• Electronic Security ensures the confidentiality of taxpayer data

Who Can Participate:

Any filer of Information Returns may participate. However, any person, including corporations, partnership, employers, estates and trusts, who files 250 or more Information Returns of any Forms 1042-S, 1098, 1099, 5498, 8027, W-2G, and QWF for any calendar year must file their Information Returns electronically or by magnetic media.

Note: Beginning in calendar year 2003 for Tax Year 2002, 9-track magnetic tape will no longer be an acceptable method for submitting Information Returns to IRS/MCC.

How to Participate:

You are required to submit Form 4419, Application for Filing Information Returns Magnetically/Electronically, to request authorization to file Information Returns with IRS/MCC. Upon approval, a five-character alpha/numeric Transmitter Control Code (TCC) will be assigned. Form 4419 should be submitted to IRS/MCC at least 30 days before the due date of the returns for current year processing. Send your completed Form 4419 to:

Internal Revenue Service
Martinsburg Computing Center
Information Reporting Program
230 Murall Drive Kearneysville, WV 25430

How to Obtain More Information:

Product Information:

Detailed information on all e-file for Business Products is available by visiting the IRS Web site @ http://www.irs.gov. Click on the IRS e-file logo.

Vendor Information:

The listing of Approved IRS e-file for Business Providers which includes direct links to their individual Web sites is located @ www.irs.gov. For menu options, just click on the IRS e-file logo. This list is updated frequently as new providers/features are added.

Application Process:

For more information you may contact the IRS, Martinsburg Computing Center’s call site, toll-free @ 866-455-7438. The call site is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. EST. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) can be reached @ (304) 267-3367.