Skip to main content
S
Shel2123
January 12, 2018
Solved

Convert QuickBooks Desktop 1099 PDF files to IRS FIRE accepted file format ASCII.

  • January 12, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

Hello.  I am trying to submit my clients 1099's through the IRS FIRE system, but am not sure how to convert the PDF file created from QuickBooks to an approved file for submitting through the FIRE system.  Does anyone use the FIRE system and QuickBooks Pro desktop to submit the 1099's electronically?  The approved format is ASCII.  And do I still need to purchase 1099 forms to give to the vendors?  I do not see how to print the form from QuickBooks.  Any help with this would be much appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance,

 

 

(Title has been edited by moderator for clarity)

 

Shelly

Best answer by PayrollBooking

Hi.  If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can try this to save it as a txt file and see if it will work.  ASCII is just a text file, so it may:

 

  1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Professional or Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe Reader is offered free of charge by Adobe (adobe.com).

  2. If you are using Acrobat Reader, open the PDF file to be converted and select "File > Save as Text" from the menu bar. If you are using Acrobat Professional open the PDF file to be converted and select "File > Export" from the menu bar.

  3. Choose a location at which to save your plain-text file.

Good luck!  Please, let us know if it works, as I plan to use the FIRE system for the 2018 1099 filings.

3 replies

P
PayrollBookingAnswer
January 22, 2018

Hi.  If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can try this to save it as a txt file and see if it will work.  ASCII is just a text file, so it may:

 

  1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Professional or Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe Reader is offered free of charge by Adobe (adobe.com).

  2. If you are using Acrobat Reader, open the PDF file to be converted and select "File > Save as Text" from the menu bar. If you are using Acrobat Professional open the PDF file to be converted and select "File > Export" from the menu bar.

  3. Choose a location at which to save your plain-text file.

Good luck!  Please, let us know if it works, as I plan to use the FIRE system for the 2018 1099 filings.

    D
    darlenebookkeeper
    November 15, 2018

    Did this work?  I'm planning to file using FIRE system as well for 2018.  Thank you.

    PreciousB
    PreciousB
    November 15, 2018

    Thanks for joining the Community, darlenebookkeeper.

     

    I’m happy to assist so you can submit the 1099 MISC forms using the IRS FIRE System (Filing Information Returns Electronically).

     

    Since the FIRE System only accepts the standard ASCII format, you’ll have to look for an in-house programmer or a third-party transmitter to convert the PDF file to the acceptable format.

     

    You’ll see more details about the IRS FIRE System in the Publication 1220 article. If you want just the excerpt of this publication, visit the 1099 E-File Service article and scroll down to the most bottom part.

     

    Just a friendly reminder, you also need to send 1099 copies to your vendors. In case you use the QuickBooks Desktop 1099 Wizard, it’ll give you an option to distribute the 1099 copies to your vendors via USPS mail or email. You can also download a 1099 PDF file and provide it to your vendor personally.

     

    Refer to this relevant article for the detailed steps: 1099 E-File QuickBooks Desktop.

     

    The steps above should help you submit the 1099 forms. Of course, let me know if you need anything else, I'm here to answer any questions and help you out. Have a great day.

    C
    CPAPartners
    August 5, 2020

    Here is the problem I have.  I use a third party software to e-file Form 1099.  In attempts to make it easier to follow, I am putting the issue in bullet points.

     

    • E-Filed 1099 two months ago with a third party software company.
    • The e-file was transmitted but the IRS has not provided the status as Accepted or Rejected to the software company.  Usually it takes a week at the most based on my experience.
    • Without the Accepted status, the software doesn't generate the e-file for corrected 1099 which I subsequently need to e-file.
    • The software company said they couldn't do anything around other than waiting for the IRS EFC.  So I decided to use the FIRE system to file the corrected 1099 instead since I couldn't do so within the software system.
    • I got rejected by the FIRE because I uploaded the pdf.  So I asked FIRE (very responsive) if there is anything around it.
    • The FIRE staff  said I need the correct format created by the software company.  I understand that BUT the software couldn't generate the file due to the EFC having the original file stuck somewhere to provide the ACCEPTED status for me to move on to generate the e-file for the corrected return. 
    • I was referring to EFC and asked if FIRE couldn't do anything about it to get it going since I don't know if the two departments even communicate.  The FIRE staff just keeps on repeating himself.  I am trying to be as clear as I can, but frustratingly it doesn't help.  He kept on saying I can't upload the PDF which I clearly get!  But I can't create the ASCII file within the software neither due to the EFC.  I think he probably doesn't know what EFC is although he is an IRS employee.
    M
    MirriamM
    August 5, 2020

    Hi there, @CPAPartners. 

     

    I appreciate you providing detailed information about your concern. 

     

    As much as I would like to help you out with this, when it comes to using third-party apps, QuickBooks doesn't control how they process the 1099 e-file submission. I suggest contacting them again to check for updates since they're your third-party provider. 

     

    If you need assistance in managing your account, visit our Community Help Articles hub.

     

    You can get back to me anytime you have additional questions in QuickBooks by posting your response below. I'm here to ensure your continued success. Have a great day!

     

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement