Sample Excel Worksheets (Tax Year 2026)
The PDF guidelines explain the required field layout, limits and formatting rules. The CSV sample file shows a plain-text comma-separated version of the import file. The Excel sample file gives you a spreadsheet version that is easier to open, edit, and review before submitting your data. You can use either the sample CSV or Excel file.
Please do not rename the headers. Data is imported by column header name.
Tax Year 2026 Templates Coming Soon
In accordance with standard IRS release practices, draft XML schemas and field specifications for Tax Year 2026 information returns are expected to be published by the IRS in July 2026, with finalized versions available in August 2026. Templates below reflect the current Tax Year 2025 IRIS finalized specifications.
IRIS 2025 templates are available on request. Please call our main office at (480) 706-6474 or email us at info@1099fire.com and we can provide the IRIS templates.
Looking for FIRE Templates?
If your organization is still filing through the legacy IRS FIRE system, Tax Year 2025 FIRE Excel templates are available separately. These pre-formatted workbooks are designed to match the FIRE fixed-width file format and cover all supported information return types.
Download the 2025 FIRE form template files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which file should I download first?Start with the PDF guidelines. The PDF explains what each field means, what data is required, and how the file should be formatted. After reviewing the guidelines, download either the CSV or Excel sample file for the form you need.
Yes. CSV files can usually be opened in Excel, but be careful when saving them. CSV files are unformatted text files. Excel may change leading zeros, long ID numbers, ZIP codes, or formatting. Review the file before sending it.
Some users work directly in Excel, while others export data from payroll, accounting, or database systems. Providing both formats makes it easier to prepare data in the format that works best for your business.
No. The column headers control how the data is imported. Do not rename, remove, or rearrange them, or the file may not import correctly.
You can add extra columns for internal notes, but they should be placed after the required fields. Do not insert extra columns between required fields.
Some required fields can be left blank and the file may still generate valid XML for transmission. The file may still be transmitted, but missing required information can cause the IRS status to be Accepted With Errors instead of Accepted.
No. Use the correct sample file for each form type. A 1099-NEC file, 1099-MISC file, 1099-INT file, and 1098 file all require different fields.
Yes. Your file can include multiple payers of one form type. Our software reads all of the recipients for a payer and then generates Form 1096 which is the transmittal summary or totals. If the same payer appears again later in the file, the software will generate another Form 1096 and you only want to transmit one Form 1096 or transmittal summary per payer.
Contact 1099FIRE by phone at (480) 706-6474 or by email at support@1099fire.com.