IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal vs Stripe Connect
IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal
irs.gov
Stripe Connect
stripe.comSide by side
| Figure | IRS IRIS Taxpayer Portal | Stripe Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $20.25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · 1099 Filing Software | 8.3 (#7) | 8.8 (#3) |
| Purpose | IRIS accepts information returns through the Taxpayer Portal/UI and Application to Application (A2A). | Connect embeds payments in software platforms and marketplaces and helps orchestrate money movement across multiple parties. |
| Support | 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. | Connect’s features page advertises 24x7 support by phone, chat, and email. |
| What it does | IRIS is an IRS system for electronically filing information returns through a web portal or an application-to-application channel. | Stripe Connect lets platforms, marketplaces, and other businesses embed payments and coordinate money movement among multiple parties. |
Plans
Stripe Connect
- Stripe handles pricing for your usersFree
- You handle pricing for your users$20.25 a month
- Stripe handles pricing for your usersPriced on request
In their own words
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.
Stripe Connect
Stripe Connect embeds payments in software platforms and marketplaces and coordinates money movement among multiple parties. Platforms can choose Stripe-hosted, embedded, or custom onboarding, including identity verification and networked onboarding for existing Stripe users. Connect supports payments in 135+ currencies and 40+ payment methods across online, mobile, subscription, invoicing, and point-of-sale flows. Platforms can split payments, route funds across borders, control payout timing, and offer instant payouts. Prebuilt connected-account dashboards include controls for payments, payouts, settings, notifications, and payment methods. Risk and compliance features include KYC and AML checks, sanctions screening, MATCH list checks, and fraud management. Connect can automatically generate US 1099 forms; e-filing and delivery fees vary by pricing model. Its listed security features include PCI DSS Level 1 certification and PSD2 Strong Customer Authentication compliance. Pricing may involve no platform fees when Stripe handles user pricing, or $2 per monthly active account plus 0.25% + 25¢ per payout sent; other usage fees may apply.