Episode 10: What's New with Information Forms, January 2026

In this week’s What’s New episode of Information Return Intelligence, Jason Dinesen provides a concise mid-January update as the 1099 filing season gets underway. With electronic filing officially open and few last-minute surprises, this episode focuses on the key system and compliance issues filers should be aware of right now.Key topics covered:1099 e-Filing is OpenElectronic filing opened January 6.Both FIRE and IRIS systems are live for the season.IRIS Expansion: Form 1042 Now SupportedIRIS can now accept Form 1042 (summary form) for the first time.In prior years, IRIS could not accommodate this form.1099-DA (Digital Asset Reporting)If you are required to file Form 1099-DA, it must be submitted through IRIS only.FIRE does not accept this form.This typically applies only to certain brokerages and digital asset platforms.Important Reminder on Form 1042 (No “S”)Form 1042 is subject to the e-file mandate.It does not go through IRIS or FIRE.Instead, it must be e-filed through the IRS MF (Mainframe) system.Not all filing vendors support MF, so filers should confirm capabilities now.No IRS paper-filing exception has been issued yet for 2025 (as of recording), though the form is not due until March 15.Publication 1099 (2026 Version) Signals FIRE’s FutureThe IRS reiterates its plan to shut down the FIRE system by the end of 2026.FIRE is mentioned only three times in the publication—all in the context of its shutdown.IRIS is referenced 26 times, underscoring the IRS’s clear long-term direction.Bottom line:This is a relatively quiet “What’s New” period—which is good news. Filers can focus on getting forms submitted while keeping an eye on:Form 1042 e-filing logistics, andThe ongoing transition away from FIRE toward IRIS.🎧 Tune in next week for the next episode of Information Return Intelligence.