efile4Biz vs IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal
efile4Biz
efile4biz.comIRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal
irs.govSide by side
| Figure | efile4Biz | IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $12.42/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · 1099 Filing Software | 9.1 (#1) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Spec score · Tax Information Reporting Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Forms supported | The product lists 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-DIV, 1099-G, 1099-INT, 1099-K, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1098, 1098-T, W-2, 1042-S, 1094-C, 1095-B and 1095-C among its supported forms. | The 2026 processing-year list includes forms such as 1042-S, 1098, 1099 series, 3921, 3922, 5498 series and W-2G. |
| Purpose | efile4Biz provides online filing and delivery services for 1099, W-2, and ACA forms. | IRIS accepts information returns through the Taxpayer Portal/UI and Application to Application (A2A). |
| Support | Basic includes chat and email support, while Plus and Premium include priority chat and email; callback requests vary by tier. | 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. |
| What it does | efile4Biz is a cloud service for preparing and submitting 1099, W-2, ACA and related information returns to the IRS or SSA, with optional printing and mailing to recipients. | IRIS is an IRS system for electronically filing information returns through a web portal or an application-to-application channel. |
Plans
efile4Biz
- BasicFree
- BasicFree
- 1099-NEC e-file, print and mail$5.25, paid once
- 1042-S e-file, print and mail$17.95, paid once
- Plus$149 a year
- Plus$149 a year
- Premium$399 a year
- Premium$399 a year
In their own words
efile4Biz
efile4Biz is a web service for preparing and filing year-end tax forms, including 1099s, W-2s, 1098s, 1042-S, ACA forms, 941, 5498 variants, and W-9. It can send forms electronically to the IRS or SSA, print and mail recipient copies, or provide e-file-only service. It supports corrections for W-2, several 1099 types, 1098, ACA, and 5498 forms. Data imports are available through QuickBooks Online, a QuickBooks Desktop plug-in, Xero API, and an Excel template. The service is aimed at tax professionals and CPAs managing multiple clients, as well as business owners and office managers. Its free Basic plan charges per form when filing; Plus is $149 a year and Premium is $399 a year, with form fees separate. For 1098, 1099, 5498, and W-2 forms, per-form prices depend on quantity and delivery method. State filings add $1 per form per state, and the service covers 29 states. It offers a free trial. The service is web-based.
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.