1099-etc vs IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal
1099-etc
1099-etc.comIRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal
irs.govSide by side
| Figure | 1099-etc | IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.88/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · 1099 Filing Software | 7.8 (#10) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Spec score · Tax Information Reporting Software | 7.7 (#11) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Purpose | 1099-etc prepares W-2, 1099, 941, 940, W-2C, W-3, W-3C and state quarterly unemployment forms. | IRIS accepts information returns through the Taxpayer Portal/UI and Application to Application (A2A). |
| Support | The maker lists technical support at +1 (405) 340-0697 and +1 (800) 578-1780. | IRIS help-desk service is listed Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern, with toll-free and international numbers. |
Plans
1099-etc
- 2026 W2/1099 Forms Filer$94 a year
- E-File Services — Federal E-File, 1–250 forms$0.88 a month
- Forms Filer Plus add-on$64, paid once
- 1042-S Filer add-on$94, paid once
- Affordable Care Act Filer add-on$94, paid once
- Software Generated Forms add-on$94, paid once
- AMS Payroll add-on$144, paid once
- E-File Direct add-on$164, paid once
In their own words
1099-etc
1099-etc is Windows desktop software for preparing W-2, 1099, 941, 940, W-2C, W-3, W-3C and state quarterly unemployment forms. The W-2/1099 Forms Filer has no cloud dependency and supports data entry, printing and electronic filing options for W-2, W-3 and many 1099 forms, handling up to 99,999 employees or recipients per payer. AMS Payroll adds live or after-the-fact payroll for all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico, supporting up to 1,999 payers and 9,999 employees per payer. Imports include Excel, QuickBooks W-2/1099 files and delimited text; AMS Payroll can import QuickBooks or PeachTree text files. E-File Direct creates files for IRS FIRE or SSA BSO/ACCUWAGE, while E-File Services files through a third-party vendor and charges per form. Encrypted PDF reports and payer backup and restore are available. The 2026 W2/1099 Forms Filer costs $94 a year, billed at $94.00; add-ons require it. There is no free plan.
IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal
The IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal is a free web service for filing information returns through the portal or Application to Application (A2A). Portal users can enter data manually or upload CSV files, manage issuer information, keep filing records, download payee copies, submit corrections, and request automatic extensions. Portal access requires an IRIS Transmitter Control Code, a five-digit code used only for IRIS. A2A is an option for filers using third-party or their own software; it can submit thousands of returns, with uploads up to 100 MB at a time. Setting it up requires an A2A TCC, API Client ID, schema package, and successful Assurance Testing System transmissions. CSV formatting guidance and templates are available in the portal. IRIS accepts information returns for tax year 2022 and later. Starting with tax year 2023, filers with 10 or more information returns must file electronically; Forms W-2 are filed with the Social Security Administration. PDF downloads may take up to 10 minutes to appear in portal notifications, and company firewalls may block external downloads.