09/22/2026
New reporting requirements are coming. Is your business ready?
Significant information reporting changes are occurring for the 2026 tax year, and businesses should begin preparing now to reduce reporting issues, avoid last-minute system changes, and ensure compliance with the new requirements.
The IRS is retiring the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system after December 31, 2026.
Beginning with filing season 2027 (for tax year 2026 returns), the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) will be the only IRS electronic filing system for information returns previously filed through FIRE, including current-year returns, prior-year returns and corrections.
- Organizations that currently file information returns directly with the IRS will need to register for IRIS and complete the required setup before they can file electronically. Registration may take 45 days or longer to process.
- Clients for whom AGH prepares and electronically files information returns do not need to obtain their own IRIS Transmitter Control Code (TCC) solely for returns transmitted by AGH CPAs & Advisors.
This change does not affect Forms W-2/W-3, which continue to be filed with the Social Security Administration, or ACA information returns, which continue to be filed through the IRS AIR system.
Other key changes include:
- An increase in the reporting threshold for certain Forms 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC from $600 to $2,000 per payee
- New reporting requirements for cash tips and qualified overtime compensation on certain Forms 1099 and W-2
- A reminder that the electronic filing threshold is 10 information returns in the aggregate
- Additional revisions and new information return forms for 2026
Businesses should review vendor records, confirm payroll and accounting systems are tracking the required information, and begin preparing for the transition to IRIS if they file information returns electronically.
If you have questions about payroll reporting, information return filing requirements, or the transition to IRIS, please contact the AGH CPAs & Advisors team. We are here to help!