SUCCESS - IRS FIRE - I got a new TCC #!
First, a HUGE thank you to Cecelia for bringing the situation with the IRS's requirement for a new TCC number to my attention. We've been working on our 1099s like normal, but had no idea this was an issue. I wanted to give everyone a ray of hope because I just started on this journey last Friday and already have a new TCC number and was able to log in to FIRE like normal this morning. Whew! Here's how I did it (including my missteps):
First, for those saying you didn't get notice of the requirement, I thought the same thing. However, if you go back to your "File Status Email" from FIRE after you submitted your 2022 returns, you'll see (and probably didn't notice-just like I didn't notice) that there was an alert, right at the top of the email, that I didn't spot. I was just looking for the File Status as "Good" and merrily closed my file until next year. So yeah, I had notice and just didn't spot it. Oops! I'll bet if you go back and look at your FIRE email from last year, you'll find it too.
But, back to the process. As everyone has already figured out, the IRS website is very unclear on how to go about signing up. They use terminology that is new and it wasn't until I walked through the process with an IRS employee (who was amazingly nice and helpful, FWIW) that I understood what all I did wrong. Here's the link for those who still haven't found it:
https://la.www4.irs.gov/secureaccess/ui/?TYPE=33554433&REALMOID=06-000507f7-6ce6-12ca-ace5-7c2b0ad00000&GUID=&SMAUTHREASON=0&METHOD=GET&SMAGENTNAME=-SM-u0ktItgVFneUJDzkQ7tjvLYXyclDooCJJ7%2bjXGjg3YC5id2x9riHE98hoVgd1BBv&TARGET=-SM-https%3a%2f%2fla%2ewww4%2eirs%2egov%2fesrv%2fesam%2fpages%2flandingPage%2exhtml
First, this link will take you straight to the ID-me login. You'll need to get an ID-me for at least one (for sole proprietors or nonrecognition LLCs) or two (for partnerships or corporations) "Responsible Official". This ACTUALLY has to be an owner that the IRS recognizes from their database. If the name is different, it won't work and you won't know why. It'll just sit there and not move forward, with not even a link to "continue". If you're a branch office of a bigger company and there are no in-house people who qualify as an official, you might have to call your main branch or the IRS for guidance.
Next, if you are a regular title company that submits through your escrow software (SoftPro, RamQuest, Qualia and the like) DO NOT apply for an IRIS TCC number (my first mistake). It'll never process or submit. It's the software itself that is the "Transmitter", not the title company. The Software Manufacturer is the "Developer" in the IRIS application. If you started an IRIS application, you'll need to start over and start an IR-TCC application.
There will also need to be at least one employee (who is the person actually touching the keys in the software to send the forms) who will be a "Authorized Delegate". You can have several Designated persons and several contact people in addition to the Responsible Official. All of those named will have to have an ID-me account. The ID-me process isn't too terrible, but not all of it can be done on the computer. Part of it, including the facial recognition scan and photo of the front and back of your photo ID has to be done on a cell phone. Yes, they want your PERSONAL cell phone number, not the company's (I tried that. No go. Sigh...) Once they confirm your license and your facial recognition, you'll be able to log into the IRS application process. Try to look as close as possible to your ID photo (such as glasses/no glasses) and blink your eyes and move your lips a little for the facial recognition. They want a "life test" to show you're a real person and not a photo.
Once you have the ID-me for both the Responsible Official and the Authorized Delegate, you can start the IR-TCC application. You'll need to have the Responsible Official handy (at least in the building, if not near your desk) while you fill out the online application, as the IR-TCC application has to be tied to their name, not the Designee's (my second mistake). Otherwise, you'll be able to fill out the application, but not Submit it because it requires the Responsible Official's PIN and log-in to click on "Submit Application".
This forced me to call the IRS (866-455-7438) and after the 40 minute wait time, I got an IRS rep who was very helpful. Once I undid my mistakes and started the application process again (for the third time), with the Owner now having an ID-me and PIN, the process went very smoothly. The IRS rep waited while I completed everything and submitted it. She confirmed it was "Complete" on her end and this morning, the TCC number showed on the page when I logged in as a Delegate.
Next, you also no longer have a FIRE account, in addition to no TCC. Plan to start a new Application. You can use your old Username and Password if you like (because it has no record of a conflict anymore), but I created a new one anyway, just so everything started clean. It found my account right away and I was able to log in through my software (SoftPro). Yay!
I hope this helps some of you go forward without having to call the IRS. Good luck!
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Cathy Clamp CTIP
Escrow Officer
Heart of Texas Title Co., LLC
Brady TX
+1 (325) 597-0796
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-01-2024 16:47
From: Cecelia Adams
Subject: HELP! 1099-S Reporting to IRS via FIRE and TCC Code
Hi all – has anyone started the process of filing the 1099-s using the IRS FIRE system? In the past, we had our TCC code and reporting via Qualia was always a fairly straightforward process. Apparently last year the IRS sent out a notice regarding the TCC code and if you missed the deadline (which we did because we never received the notice) then you must reapply for a new TCC code. It is turning into a very invasive and challenging endeavor to obtain this code. The IRS is requiring us to submit 2 individuals' information, obtain an ID.me account for each person which includes – along with all your personal data - submitting your biometrics – i.e. a total facial scan into your phone which is submitted to the IRS. Anyone go through this process yet? My employee that handles this reporting is extremely uncomfortable with this this process and frankly I can't blame them. Also, if you already have an ID.me account with the IRS for a personal tax matter, then the IRS is kicking you out as a duplicate and cannot enter in your new data as an employee. I think there is a way to choose "on behalf of company" but it's not allowing us to go that route. We've tried calling the IRS several times but after sitting on hold for hours we give up and go back to our real work.
If anyone can provide guidance or assistance on handling this reporting – please let us know. Thanks in advance!
Cecelia
Cecelia A. Adams
President
RSI Title, LLC
One Research Court, Suite 150
Rockville, MD 20850
301-610-7777 | Fax: 301-610-7760 | Cell: 301.938.1155
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