The IRS FIRE filing system and 1099Fire are not the same service. Although their names are similar, one is an IRS filing system and the other is a private filing provider available as an optional service to PropertyBoss clients.

Quick Comparison

What was the IRS FIRE System?

FIRE stands for Filing Information Returns Electronically. The IRS created FIRE to receive electronically filed information returns, including certain forms in the 1099, 1098, and 5498 series.

The IRS is retiring FIRE and transitioning information return filing to the Information Returns Intake System, also known as IRIS. Important dates include:

• November 1, 2026: Last day to submit test files through the FIRE test system
• November 9, 2026: Last day to update an existing FIRE Transmitter Control Code application
• November 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time: Last day to file information returns through FIRE
• January 1, 2027: IRIS becomes the IRS electronic filing system for current returns, prior year returns, and corrections

Current FIRE users must transition to IRIS to file tax year 2026 information returns during the 2027 filing season. 

What Is 1099Fire?

1099Fire is a private, third-party company that provides electronic 1099 filing services.

PropertyBoss clients may use the optional 1099Fire service to submit eligible 1099 information for processing and electronic filing. When this option is selected, PropertyBoss sends the applicable 1099 file to 1099Fire.

Clients using 1099Fire must:

• Establish an account directly with 1099Fire
• Work with 1099Fire for filing services and account-related support
• Pay applicable fees directly to 1099Fire. The 1099Fire service is not included with a PropertyBoss subscription.

Why are these services easy to confuse?

• Both names include the word FIRE, but they refer to different services. 
• IRS FIRE is the government-operated filing system that the IRS is retiring.
• 1099Fire is a private filing provider that offers 1099 processing and electronic filing services.
• The retirement of IRS FIRE does not mean that the third-party company 1099Fire is also being retired.

What does this mean for PropertyBoss Clients?

If your organization uses the optional 1099Fire service through PropertyBoss:

• You are not filing directly through the IRS FIRE system
• Your filing process is handled through 1099Fire
• You do not need to create or maintain an IRS FIRE account solely to use the PropertyBoss 1099Fire option
• Applicable filing fees are paid directly to 1099Fire
• PropertyBoss and 1099Fire may make technical or process changes as needed to support updated IRS requirements
• PropertyBoss is reviewing the IRS changes and the requirements for tax year 2026 filing

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is 1099Fire being retired? No. The IRS FIRE system is being retired. 1099Fire is a separate company and is not the IRS FIRE platform.
• Do I need to stop using 1099Fire? No. PropertyBoss clients may continue using the optional 1099Fire service unless PropertyBoss or 1099Fire provides different instructions.
• Is 1099Fire included with my PropertyBoss subscription? No. 1099Fire is an optional, fee-based service. Account setup and payment are handled directly through 1099Fire.
• What is replacing the IRS FIRE system? The IRS Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) is replacing the FIRE platform. Beginning January 1, 2027, IRIS will be the IRS's sole electronic filing system for information returns. 
• Do I need an IRIS account to use 1099Fire through PropertyBoss? The available PropertyBoss documentation does not indicate that clients must establish an IRIS account to use the optional 1099Fire service. Contact 1099Fire directly if you have questions about its IRS filing requirements or account setup.

Additional Assistance

• For questions about tax filing requirements, deadlines, or which filing method is appropriate for your organization, consult a qualified tax professional.
• For assistance generating 1099 information in PropertyBoss, contact PropertyBoss Client Care at care@propertyboss.com.