IRS Publication 1220 – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – In the ever-evolving landscape of tax compliance, staying updated with IRS guidelines is crucial for businesses, tax professionals, and filers handling information returns. IRS Publication 1220 serves as the definitive resource for electronically filing specific forms, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in reporting payments like interest, dividends, and gambling winnings. As we navigate the 2025 tax year in early 2026, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Publication 1220, including its purpose, covered forms, technical specs, and upcoming changes like the FIRE system retirement.
What Is IRS Publication 1220?
IRS Publication 1220, officially titled “Specifications for Electronic Filing of Forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and W-2G,” outlines the technical requirements for submitting information returns electronically through the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system. Released in its latest revision in September 2025 (Rev. 9-2025), this publication is essential for transmitters, issuers, and software developers to format files correctly and avoid penalties.
The primary goal of Publication 1220 is to standardize electronic submissions, eliminating the need for paper filings in most cases while supporting the Combined Federal/State Filing (CF/SF) Program. It provides detailed instructions on file formats, record layouts, and transmission protocols, making it a must-have for anyone dealing with high-volume reporting. Electronic filing is mandatory for entities submitting 10 or more returns of any type, excluding corrections.
Forms Covered by IRS Publication 1220
Publication 1220 applies to a wide array of information returns used to report various types of income and transactions. Here’s a comprehensive list of the covered forms:
- Form 1097-BTC: Bond Tax Credit.
- Form 1098 Series: Includes 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement), 1098-C (Contributions of Motor Vehicles), 1098-E (Student Loan Interest), 1098-F (Fines, Penalties, and Other Amounts), 1098-Q (Qualifying Longevity Annuity Contract), and 1098-T (Tuition Statement).
- Form 1099 Series: Encompasses 1099-A (Acquisition or Abandonment of Secured Property), 1099-B (Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions), 1099-C (Cancellation of Debt), 1099-CAP (Changes in Corporate Control and Capital Structure), 1099-DIV (Dividends and Distributions), 1099-G (Certain Government Payments), 1099-INT (Interest Income), 1099-K (Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions), 1099-LS (Reportable Life Insurance Sale), 1099-LTC (Long-Term Care and Accelerated Death Benefits), 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information), 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation), 1099-OID (Original Issue Discount), 1099-PATR (Taxable Distributions Received from Cooperatives), 1099-Q (Payments from Qualified Education Programs), 1099-R (Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc.), 1099-S (Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions), 1099-SA (Distributions From an HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA), and 1099-SB (Seller’s Investment in Life Insurance Contract).
- Form 3921: Exercise of an Incentive Stock Option Under Section 422(b).
- Form 3922: Transfer of Stock Acquired Through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan Under Section 423(c).
- Form 5498 Series: Includes 5498 (IRA Contribution Information), 5498-ESA (Coverdell ESA Contribution Information), and 5498-SA (HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA Information).
- Form W-2G: Certain Gambling Winnings.
Note that Form 1099-DA (Digital Asset Proceeds from Broker Transactions) is not supported in FIRE and must be filed via the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) or paper. Golden Parachute payments (previously under Amount Code B) also cannot be filed through FIRE starting in 2025.
Key Specifications for Electronic Filing
To file electronically under Publication 1220, filers must adhere to strict technical guidelines:
File Formats and Transmission Methods
- Format: Files use standard ASCII code with fixed-length records of 750 positions. Compression (e.g., WinZip or PKZIP) is recommended for large files exceeding 10,000 records.
- Transmission: Submit via the FIRE Production System at https://fire.irs.gov/ or the test system at https://fire.test.irs.gov/. A Transmitter Control Code (TCC) is mandatory and can be obtained through the IR Application for TCC, with processing taking up to 45 days.
- Limits: Up to 1,000,000 records per file; separate transmissions for each tax year.
Compliance Requirements
- Mandatory Threshold: Electronic filing is required for 10+ returns; use Form 8508 for waivers due to hardship.
- Due Dates: Most forms are due March 31, 2026, for TY 2025; Form 5498 by May 31, 2026. Automatic 30-day extensions are available electronically.
- Penalties: Late or incorrect filings can result in fines; ensure valid TINs and accurate data to avoid rejections.
- CF/SF Program: Allows combined federal and state filing for participating states. New for 2025: Oregon added (Code 41), Missouri removed (Code 29).
Detailed Record Formats in Publication 1220
Publication 1220 specifies a structured record sequence for files:
| Record Type | Description | Key Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Transmitter “T” Record | First record in the file; identifies the transmitter. | TCC (positions 2-6), Payment Year (e.g., 2025), Transmitter TIN, Name/Address. |
| Issuer “A” Record | Identifies the issuer and return type. | Issuer TIN (12-20), Name Control (21-24), Amount Codes (28-45), CF/SF Indicator (position 6). |
| Payee “B” Record | Details payee information and payments. | Payee TIN (12-20), Name (288-327), Payment Amounts (55-270, right-justified with cents), State Code (747-748 for CF/SF). |
| End of Issuer “C” Record | Summarizes payees and totals per issuer. | Number of Payees, Control Totals for Amounts (18 fields). |
| State Totals “K” Record | For CF/SF; totals by state. | Similar to “C” but state-specific. |
| End of Transmission “F” Record | Last record; summarizes the entire file. | Total “A” Records, Total Payees. |
Special notes: Negative amounts use a sign in the last position; foreign entities require a blank TIN and indicator flags. Corrections use “G” or “C” indicators in the “B” Record.
Testing Procedures and Best Practices
New filers, especially those in the CF/SF Program, must submit test files to validate software compatibility. Tests include at least 11 “B” Records per “A” Record and use “T” in position 28 of the “T” Record. Results are emailed within 2 days, with statuses like “Good” or “Bad.” Up to 125 test files per TCC annually. Always reconstruct data for IRS audits and retain records for 3-4 years.
Recent Updates and Changes for 2025
The 2025 revision includes several key updates:
- FIRE Retirement: Targeted for Tax Year 2026/Filing Season 2027; transition to IRIS is mandatory. Apply for an IRIS TCC now to avoid disruptions.
- Form-Specific Changes: New Code 2 for Form 1099-Q (QTP to Roth IRA transfer); Distribution Code Y for Form 1099-R (Qualified Charitable Distribution).
- System Downtime: FIRE was down from November 19, 2025, to January 6, 2026, for updates.
For the latest developments, check IRS.gov or QuickAlerts.
How to Download and Use IRS Publication 1220?
Access the free PDF at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1220.pdf. Consult it alongside Publication 5717 for IRIS guidance and General Instructions for Certain Information Returns for broader compliance. If you’re a software developer, integrate these specs to ensure your tools produce compliant files.
In summary, IRS Publication 1220 is your go-to blueprint for seamless electronic filing of information returns in 2025. By following its guidelines, you can minimize errors, meet deadlines, and prepare for the IRIS transition. For personalized advice, consult a tax professional or visit IRS.gov for the most current resources.