One of the advantages of e-filing is that, in most cases, you actually have longer to file your W-2 and 1099 type forms. When W-2 forms are e-filed, the submission to the SSA is due on:
- March 31
- The next business day if March 31 falls on a weekend or holiday
You can register with the SSA and get more information at the BSO website.
When 1099 type forms are e-filed, the submission to the IRS is due on:
- March 31
- The next business day if March 31 falls on a weekend or holiday
In order to e-file with the IRS, you will need to complete and submit Information Returns (IR) Application for Transmitter Control Code (TCC) for Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE). It can take up to 45 days to receive a response so you will need to apply as early as possible.
States may have different due dates and registration requirements for submissions. Before you purchase Advanced Micro Solutions’ modular platform, we recommend that you speak with the relevant state for additional information.
What is the Best E-File Software Solution?
Using W-2 software and/or a 1099 software package can help with e-filing. Advanced Micro Solutions’ 1099-etc software includes both W-2 software and 1099 software in one package. You can also access optional modules, including:
- AMS Payroll
- Forms Filer Plus
- Two e-file options: E-File Direct and E-File Services
E-File Direct:
- File an unlimited number of W-2 or 1099 type forms directly with the appropriate agency
- A single e-file option purchase
- Requires you to register with the SSA and/or IRS as a transmitter
E-File Services:
- Through a third-party transmitter
- Charged on a low per-form basis rather than being an e-file option purchase
- Can print and mail forms to the preparer or client for an additional charge per form
- You do not need to register with the SSA and/or IRS as a transmitter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do IRS e-file thresholds matter for small business employers? – Small businesses can face challenges if a threshold or unexpected regulatory change occurs for the next tax year. The ones that are disproportionately affected have fewer employees and/or a combination of W-2 employees and 1099 independent contractors.
- Who should e-file with commercial tax prep software? – Investing in commercial tax prep software is good for filers who want to prepare and file their own taxes, need to improve their tax prep efficiency, and/or need an affordable alternative to hiring an accountant.
E-Filing with AMS Software
E-Filers can enter W-2 and 1099 information in a few distinct ways:
- Directly onto the screen in a window that looks like the form itself
- Imported from outside sources like delimited text files or Excel using copy and paste
- Imported from a QuickBooks or other type of print file
The recipient’s copy can be printed on pre-printed forms or on plain paper using the optional Software Generated Forms module. Download our free 1099-etc Demo software today to be certain that our software will work for you. We offer free technical support to our clients:
- Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm CT
- Extended hours in January and April (8am-7pm and Saturday 10-am-4pm)
This article was updated on May 8, 2026 to keep its information as fresh as possible. We update this article every six months, before and after tax season, to keep current with any changes.