Yes. TaxBandits is an IRS-authorized e-file provider, accepted to transmit returns through the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system and the Modernized e-File (MeF) platform, and it has also obtained a Transmitter Control Code for the newer Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) that is replacing FIRE. That matters because sending tax documents through an unregistered provider can result in rejected filings and penalties of up to $340 per return for 2026 filings.
How To Confirm the Authorization Yourself
You should not take any provider’s word for its status, including this one. The IRS publishes a public lookup tool where you can search authorized e-file providers by name and filter by authorization type.1Internal Revenue Service. E-File Provider Search
When the IRS approves an e-file application, it issues the provider an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN). Providers transmitting information returns through IRIS also receive a separate Transmitter Control Code tied to that system.2Internal Revenue Service. E-File Information Returns With IRIS Running the check takes about two minutes and is worth doing before handing over employee Social Security numbers and taxpayer identification numbers.
What TaxBandits Is Authorized To Transmit
IRS authorization is not a single credential. Providers must be accepted into each electronic filing program separately, and each program covers different forms. TaxBandits participates in three.
FIRE has long been the primary channel for information returns such as the 1099 family. The IRS has announced that FIRE will be retired after tax year 2026, with filing season 2027 moving all information return intake to IRIS.3Internal Revenue Service. Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) IRIS runs on two channels: a free taxpayer portal for filing up to 100 returns at a time, and an Application-to-Application (A2A) channel that lets authorized third-party software transmit in bulk.2Internal Revenue Service. E-File Information Returns With IRIS A provider like TaxBandits uses the A2A channel on your behalf.
MeF handles a different set of returns, primarily the 94x family of employment tax forms. That includes Form 941 (quarterly federal tax return), Form 940 (annual federal unemployment tax), Form 943 (agricultural employees), Form 944 (annual return for small employers), and Form 945 (withheld federal income tax).4Internal Revenue Service. Modernized e-File (MeF) for Employment Taxes Frequently Asked Questions Being accepted into each program means the provider’s software has passed IRS technical specifications and security requirements for that system.
What the IRS Requires Before Approving a Provider
Getting authorized is not a quick registration. The IRS runs a multi-step vetting process laid out in Publication 3112 before granting access to its filing systems.5Internal Revenue Service. Become an Authorized E-File Provider
Every principal and responsible official on the application goes through a suitability check that can include a credit check, a tax compliance review, a criminal background check, and a review of prior compliance with IRS e-file rules. Principals who are not already attorneys, CPAs, or enrolled agents must submit fingerprints through an IRS-authorized vendor.6Internal Revenue Service. Tax Pros – Become an Authorized E-File Provider in Three Steps Licensed professionals can substitute their current credentials for fingerprinting.
After clearing suitability, the provider’s software must pass the Assurance Testing System (ATS). This is a technical process where the provider submits test scenarios for each form type it intends to support, verifying that the software meets IRS business and technical requirements for the relevant platform.7Internal Revenue Service. Publication 5078 – Assurance Testing System (ATS) Guidelines for Modernized e-File (MeF) Business Submissions ATS testing happens every filing season, not only at initial approval.
Why the FIRE-to-IRIS Shift Matters When Choosing a Provider
This transition is the single most important authorization question for businesses filing information returns in 2026. The IRS has set tax year 2026 (filing season 2027) as the target date for fully retiring FIRE and making IRIS the sole intake system for information returns.3Internal Revenue Service. Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) For the current filing season covering tax year 2025, both FIRE and IRIS are operational, but this is effectively the last year FIRE will be available.
If you are evaluating any e-file provider in 2026, confirm it has obtained an IRIS Transmitter Control Code and can transmit through the A2A channel. A provider that only supports FIRE will not be able to file your information returns after the transition. IRIS A2A access requires a separate application, an API Client ID, and IRIS-specific ATS testing.2Internal Revenue Service. E-File Information Returns With IRIS TaxBandits has already secured the TCC for this channel.
If you file only a handful of returns, you also have the option of skipping a provider entirely. The free IRS Taxpayer Portal lets you manually enter or upload up to 100 returns at a time without third-party software, though the volume cap makes it impractical for larger filers.
Forms Covered by the Authorization
Confirming authorization is step one. Step two is making sure the provider’s authorized form coverage matches what you actually need to file.
Information Returns and W-2
TaxBandits handles the full 1099 series, including 1099-NEC for payments to independent contractors and 1099-MISC for rents, royalties, and other miscellaneous income. It also transmits Form W-2, which goes to the Social Security Administration rather than directly to the IRS.8Social Security Administration. Employer W-2 Filing Instructions and Information
For tax year 2025 filings made during 2026, Form 1099-DA enters the picture for digital asset transactions. Brokers, including cryptocurrency exchanges and hosted wallet providers, must report gross proceeds from digital asset sales on this form.9Internal Revenue Service. Instructions for Form 1099-DA (2025) For 2025 transactions, only gross proceeds are reported; cost basis reporting for covered securities begins with 2026 transactions.
Employment Tax Returns
Through MeF, TaxBandits supports Form 941, Form 940, and the related 943, 944, and 945 returns.10Internal Revenue Service. E-File Employment Tax Forms
ACA Reporting
Applicable Large Employers, meaning those with 50 or more full-time employees, must file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C to report health coverage offered to employees. TaxBandits is authorized to transmit these Affordable Care Act forms.11Internal Revenue Service. Information Reporting by Applicable Large Employers
Verify the authorization in the IRS lookup, confirm the IRIS TCC is in place for information returns, and match the authorized form list against your filing obligations. Those three checks answer the authorization question for any provider you are considering, including this one.