File your Montana 1099s as IRIS XML

Intro 0:00

In this video, you'll create your Montana 1099-NEC IRIS XML file with the Export Wizard in W2 Mate. Montana takes 1099s in the IRS IRIS XML format, and the wizard builds that file in four short steps. Montana wants your 1099-NECs, even when no Montana tax is withheld.

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: MT, your Montana 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 MT 1:07

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

Open the IRIS XML Export Wizard 1:32

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 1:47

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 2:09

Step 2 shows the transmitter, who sends the file, and the contact person Montana 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 Montana) 2:31

Step 3 lists everyone who gets a 1099-NEC. Checked recipients go into the file. With Box 6 filled in, choose MT in the Box 6 state list, and click Select Only This State. That picks every form that reports Montana. You can also choose MT in the Address state list, to select every recipient with a Montana address. If a recipient shows in red, the Problem column tells you what to fix before you upload. Click Next.

Step 4: Output file 3:04

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 3:15

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

Upload to MT TAP 3:30

Now log in to Montana's TransAction Portal (TAP) and choose File Upload. Montana is switching its 1099 uploads to the IRIS XML format, with up to 100 forms per file. If you don't see the IRIS XML option yet, call the Montana Department of Revenue before you upload. Keep the confirmation for your records. If TAP shows errors, fix them in W2 Mate and upload again. If no Montana tax was withheld, you don't need a Montana withholding account to send these forms. With Montana tax withheld, file Form MW-3 too. The file is due January 31, and your filing isn't complete until Montana accepts it. For help with TAP, call the Montana Department of Revenue at (406) 444-6900. That's it. Your Montana 1099-NEC IRIS XML file is ready. If you have questions about W2 Mate, email sales@realtaxtools.com or call 1-800-507-1992.