Choose your IRIS filing approach based on the work your team needs to own. Return count matters. So do the number of entities, the quality of the source data, and the people available to handle exceptions.
The IRS offers two channels: the free Taxpayer Portal formanual entry or CSV uploads, and Application to Application, or A2A, for software-based transmission. Both are part of IRIS.
Keep your existing FIRE workflow with Eisen
For teams already producing FIRE-format files, Eisen offers a way to keep that process in place. Our FIRE-to-IRIS converter handles theformat change, and we manage the new IRIS business rules and validations.
Your team does not need to proactively rebuild its reporting workflow around the new IRS interface. Bring the output you already produce andwork with Eisen on the reporting scope and any data issues that need attention.
The 100 return limit needs context
The portal accepts up to 100 returns per submission. That is a batch limit, not a rule requiring every business with more than 100 returns to adopt A2A.
For example, a business with 250 returns could plan three portal submissions. A business with 10,000 returns would need at least 100. The practical question is whether the team can prepare, review, submit, and reconcile those batches without losing track of records.
When the portal can fit
I’d consider the portal when the work is manageable for a named operator and the data is straightforward to prepare. A small, well-organized filing population can be easier to run than a larger process that nobody fully owns.
- The team can explain where every record comes from.
- An operator can track the batches and reconcilethem to the approved filing list.
- Someone has time to review results and resolveexceptions.
- There is backup coverage if the primary operatoris unavailable.
- Include staff time in the comparison. A free filing channel still requires preparation, review, and follow-up.
When to evaluate A2A software
A2A supports software transmission using XML. The implementation has its own authorization and technical requirements, including applicable testing. Those requirements matter when deciding whether to build a connection or use an established provider.
I’d evaluate software when repeated file handling consumes meaningful time, multiple teams contribute data, or the batch process is becoming difficult to supervise. The point is to identify the specific work that software will take off the team’s plate.
Map the process beforecomparing vendors:
- Where does the approved source data live?
- Who fixes missing or inconsistent recipientinformation?
- Who approves the final filing population andtotals?
- How does the team see what still needsattention?
- Who owns changes after a return has beensubmitted?
Separate buying software from operating a connection
A vendor may provide software your team operates, or it may transmit returns on your behalf. Get that distinction into the scope of work. Ask who owns credentials, testing, technical maintenance, and contact with the IRS.
Then ask for a demonstration using your operating scenario. If three entities submit data at different times, show how those approvals work. If a recipient’s reported amount changes after filing, show how the team identifies the original record and follows the correction through.
Evaluate the handoffs as closely as the upload screen. A clean first submission is only one part of the year’s work.
Keep delivery and state reporting in the comparison
Furnishing recipient statements is a separate obligation from federal filing. State requirements also need their own review. Confirm how those responsibilities fit into the proposed process and pricing.
Make the decision with your own numbers
Use last year’s return count, number of entities, hours spent preparing files, and volume of follow-up work. Estimate the staff time under each approach and identify which tasks change hands. That gives your team a useful comparison to review.
If your existing system already produces a FIRE-format file, include Eisen’s converter in that comparison. Talk to us about keeping your current workflow while we manage conversion and the IRIS business rules and validations.
