General Instructions For Certain Information Returns (Forms 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, And W-2g)

example, if you file 400 Forms 1098 electronically and you

F. Electronic Reporting

are making 75 corrections, your corrections can be filed

on paper because the number of corrections for Form

Electronic reporting may be required for filing all

1098 is less than the 250 filing requirement. However, if

information returns discussed in these instructions (see

you were filing 250 or more Form 1098 corrections, they

Who must file

electronically, later. Different types of

would have to be filed electronically.

payments, such as interest, dividends, and rents, may be

reported in the same submission.

Reporting incorrect payer name and/or TIN. If a payer

discovers an error in reporting the payer (not recipient)

You can file Forms 1097, 1098, 1099,

name and/or TIN, write a letter containing the following

3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G, except

information.

Forms 1099-QA and 5498-QA,

electronically through the Filing Information Returns

1. Name and address of the payer.

Electronically System (FIRE System); however, you must

2. Type of error (including the incorrect payer

have software that can produce a file in the proper format

name/TIN that was reported).

according to Pub. 1220. Pub. 1220 provides the

3. Tax year.

procedures for reporting electronically and is updated

4. Payer TIN.

annually. Pub. 1220 is available at IRS.gov. The FIRE

System does not provide a fill-in form option for

5. Transmitter Control Code (TCC).

information return reporting. The FIRE System operates

6. Type of return.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may access the FIRE

7. Number of payees.

System via the Internet at fire.irs.gov. See Pub. 1220 for

8. Filing method (paper or electronic).

more information. Pub. 1220 provides the procedures for

reporting electronically and is updated annually. Pub.

9. Was federal income tax withheld?

1220 is available at IRS.gov.

Send the letter to Internal Revenue Service, Information

Returns Branch, 230 Murall Drive, Mail Stop 4360,

Forms 1099-QA and 5498-QA can only be filed on

Kearneysville, WV 25430.

paper.

If a payer realizes duplicate reporting or a large

CAUTION

percentage of incorrect information has been filed, contact

Due dates. File Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, or

the information reporting customer service site at

W-2G electronically by April 2, 2018. File Forms 5498,

1-866-455-7438 for further instructions.

5498-ESA, 5498-QA, or 5498-SA by May 31, 2018. See

part M about providing Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921,

How to get approval to file electronically. File Form

3922, 5498, and W-2G or statements to recipients.

4419 at least 30 days before the due date of the returns.

File Form 4419 for all types of returns that will be filed

File Form 1099-MISC by January 31, 2018, if you

electronically. See Form 4419 for more information. Once

are reporting nonemployee compensation in

you have received approval, you need not reapply each

box 7.

CAUTION

year. The IRS will provide a written reply to the applicant

and further instructions at the time of approval, usually

Extension of time to file. For information about

within 30 days.

requesting an extension of time to file, see

Extension of

time to

file, earlier, under part C.

How to request a waiver from filing electronically. To

receive a waiver from the required filing of information

If you file electronically, do not file the same

returns electronically, submit Form 8508 at least 45 days

returns on paper.

before the due date of the returns. You cannot apply for a

CAUTION

waiver for more than 1 tax year at a time. If you need a

Who must file electronically. If you are required to file

waiver for more than 1 tax year, you must reapply at the

250 or more information returns, you must file

appropriate time each year.

electronically. The 250-or-more requirement applies

If a waiver for original returns is approved, any

separately to each type of form. For example, if you must

corrections for the same types of returns will be covered

file 500 Forms 1098 and 100 Forms 1099-A, you must file

under the waiver. However, if you submit original returns

Forms 1098 electronically, but you are not required to file

electronically but you want to submit your corrections on

Forms 1099-A electronically.

paper, a waiver must be approved for the corrections if

The electronic filing requirement does not apply if you

you must file 250 or more corrections.

apply for and receive a hardship waiver. See

How to

If you receive an approved waiver, do not send a copy

request a waiver from filing

electronically, later.

of it to the service center where you file your paper

The IRS encourages you to file electronically even

returns. Keep the waiver for your records only.

though you are filing fewer than 250 returns.

TIP

Penalty. If you are required to file electronically but fail to

do so, and you do not have an approved waiver, you may

be subject to a penalty of up to $260 per return for failure

Filing requirement applies separately to originals

to file electronically unless you establish reasonable

and corrections. The electronic filing requirements

cause. However, you can file up to 249 returns on paper;

apply separately to original returns and corrected returns.

those returns will not be subject to a penalty for failure to

Originals and corrections are not aggregated to determine

file electronically. See part O.

whether you are required to file electronically. For

-8-

Gen. Instr. for Certain Info. Returns (2017)

General Instructions For Certain Information Returns (Forms 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, And W-2g) - 2017 Page 8

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