File your Maine 1099s as IRIS XML

Intro 0:00

In this video, you'll create your Maine 1099-NEC IRIS XML file with the Export Wizard in W2 Mate. Maine takes 1099s in the IRS IRIS XML format, and the wizard builds that file in four short steps. Maine wants a 1099-NEC for payments to Maine residents and for Maine-source payments.

What goes into the 1099-NEC IRIS XML file 0:25

Here's the 1099-NEC, and the IRIS XML that W2 Mate writes for it. Box 1a, nonemployee compensation, becomes NonemployeeCompensationAmt. Boxes 5, 6 and 7 become the state group: ME, your Maine state ID number, the state tax withheld and the state income. The recipient's tax ID goes in with its type. So in W2 Mate, type each one with its dashes: SSN as xxx-xx-xxxx, EIN as xx-xxxxxxx. That's how the file gets the right TIN type and goes through.

Before you start: set Box 6 to ME 1:06

Before you start, make sure Box 6 on every 1099-NEC you're filing with Maine is set to ME. To be safe, open Tools > Other Recipient / 1099 Tools > Update Box 6 (State, Payer's state #) for multiple 1099-NEC recipients. Pick ME, and enter your Maine withholding account number, if you have one.

Open the IRIS XML Export Wizard 1:31

Then start the wizard from the E-Filing menu. Point to 1099 IRIS XML Format (For State Upload), then click Export 1099-NEC Data as IRIS XML File.

Step 1: Payer 1:45

Step 1 shows the payer — the business that issues the forms. Check the name, tax ID and address. To fix something, click Review / Edit Payer. Here you can update the payer's TIN type and number, the name and the address. Click OK when you're done. Then tick the box to confirm, and click Next.

Step 2: Transmitter 2:07

Step 2 shows the transmitter, who sends the file, and the contact person Maine will reach if there's a problem. To change any of it, click Edit Transmitter. This screen has who's sending the file, the company address for letters from the state, and the contact person. Click OK. Then click Next.

Step 3: Recipients (select Maine) 2:29

Step 3 lists everyone who gets a 1099-NEC. Checked recipients go into the file. Maine wants every Maine resident and every payment with a Maine source. With Box 6 set to ME on those forms, choose ME in the Box 6 state list and click Select Only This State. To double-check, choose ME in the Address state list. Every recipient with a Maine address should already be checked. If a recipient shows in red, the Problem column tells you what to fix before you upload. Click Next.

Step 4: Output file 3:05

Step 4 is where the file is saved. Click Browse to pick a different folder. Leave the testing box unchecked for your real filing, and click Finish.

File created: check the totals 3:16

W2 Mate creates the file and shows the totals inside it. Compare them with your records: 5 Maine forms and the Maine tax withheld. Click Copy Path, so you can find the file on the upload page.

Upload to ME Maine Tax Portal 3:31

Now log in to the Maine Tax Portal, find the 1099 file upload, and choose the IRIS XML option when the portal offers it. Maine is moving its 1099 uploads to the IRS XML format, so if you don't see that option yet, contact Maine Revenue Services before you upload. Keep the confirmation for your records. If the portal shows errors, fix them in W2 Mate and upload again. With 10 or more W-2s and 1099s in total, you must file electronically. Don't mail paper copies to Maine. The file is due January 31, and your filing isn't complete until Maine accepts it. For help, call Maine Revenue Services at 207-626-8475, or email withholding.tax@maine.gov. That's it. Your Maine 1099-NEC IRIS XML file is ready. If you have questions about W2 Mate, email sales@realtaxtools.com or call 1-800-507-1992.