The Internal Revenue Service is adding more security to its technology systems, including secure application programming interfaces and a new intake system for electronically filed information returns.
The IRS said in an email Tuesday to tax professionals that as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen fraud detection and security across the "e-file ecosystem", it's implementing secure APIs, including real-time Electronic Filing Identification Number Validation and Vendor Control Number Registration services, which will mostly apply to tax software developers and state tax authorities.
"These APIs are designed to simplify and streamline the registration process for e-file software developers," said the IRS. "They allow software companies to validate EFIN ownership and status and pre-register e-file software, by Software ID, under the company's VCN before electronic returns are submitted through Modernized e-File (MeF)."
Software companies and states can register for access, complete the integration process and begin testing starting Aug. 16, 2026, the IRS noted.
To support registration and integration, the IRS has distributed the API specification documentation to users through their e-Services mailbox. This documentation is needed to integrate with and call the APIs, helping ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
The IRS is targeting a tentative production deployment date of Sept. 1, 2026. Any questions can be sent to the MeF mailbox at
IRIS transition
Separately, the IRS sent a reminder Tuesday about changes in its information returns electronic filing system. Filers who currently use the Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system should prepare now for the system's retirement and transition to the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS) before the 2027 filing season.
"After the November maintenance window, filers will no longer be able to submit information returns through FIRE. Current FIRE users must transition to IRIS to file tax year 2026 information returns during the 2027 filing season," said the IRS.
Nov. 1, 2026, will be the last day to file test information returns through the FIRE Trading Partner Test System. Nov. 9, 2026, will be the last day to make changes to the Information Returns Applications for Transmitter Control Codes. Nov. 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET, will be the last day and time to file information returns through the FIRE system.
The IRS noted that IRIS is a modernized system that receives information returns through two channels: the IRIS Taxpayer Portal and IRIS Application to Application. IRIS became available in 2023 as part of a phased transition of forms from FIRE. But starting in 2027, all forms previously supported by FIRE will be available through IRIS.
The IRIS Taxpayer Portal is a free, web-based filing system that allows filers to e-file up to 100 returns at a time. Filers can enter information manually or upload it using a CSV file. They can also download payee copies and maintain records of completed and filed forms.
Filers who use third-party software or develop their own software can use IRIS Application to Application to e-file larger volumes of information returns.
To prepare for the transition, the IRS advised e-filers to do the following:
- Complete an IRIS Application for TCC.
- Review available guidance on
E-file Information Returns with IRIS. Subscribe to IRIS QuickAlerts for updates about system changes, maintenance, and working group meetings.- Register for IRIS Working Group meetings and review meeting materials.
IRIS Working Group meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Participants have to register each month to receive the meeting link. Meeting notifications are sent to IRIS QuickAlerts subscribers.
The IRS said it will provide additional information through IRIS QuickAlerts, IRIS Working Group meetings, and IRS.gov.
For more information, see
