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Fix validation errors

When a 1099 record fails validation, IRISfile lists each error with the record number and the field that failed. It builds no XML, Portal CSV, or recipient copies for that file until every error is fixed. Correct the records in your source file and upload it again.

All help articlesLast reviewed October 2026

Steps

  1. 1. Read the error list

    Each error names the record, the field in brackets, and what is wrong with it. Record 2 is the second record IRISfile read from your file.

    A four-digit ZIP usually means a spreadsheet dropped a leading zero. Format the ZIP column as text in Excel, then type the zero back.

    Three errors: record 2 has a blank payee state, record 3 has an invalid payee TIN, and record 4 has a four-digit ZIP.
    Three errors, each naming the record and the field.

  2. 2. Know why there are no downloads

    IRISfile never builds a partial file. One bad record holds back the output for the whole file, so a wrong return can't reach the IRS by accident.

    The file summary reads 4 records from demo-northfield-errors.csv with the note Not generated: fix validation errors first.
    Output is withheld until every error is fixed.

  3. 3. Find the failing rows

    The record table marks each failing row with ERROR, next to the values IRISfile read. Use it to check what came through from your file.

    The record table. Rows 2, 3, and 4 are tinted and marked ERROR.
    Failing rows are marked ERROR in the record table.

  4. 4. Download the error report for the season

    Error report (CSV) lists every error across all your files in one spreadsheet. Use it to work through several clients at once. The link shows only while at least one file has errors.

    The Error report (CSV) link above the Season at a glance totals is outlined.
    Error report (CSV) lists every error across the season.

  5. 5. Fix the source file and upload it again

    Correct the records in your spreadsheet or FIRE file, save it, and drop it on the dashboard again. When every record passes, the download buttons appear.

    Delete the old row from IRS Files with its trash icon if you no longer need it.

    A corrected file converted cleanly, with the Download A2A XML, Download Portal CSV, and Print 1099 buttons showing.
    After the fixes, the file converts and the downloads appear.

Questions

Why does one bad record block the whole file?
IRISfile builds output only when every record passes. A failing record could produce a return the IRS rejects or one that reports the wrong amount, so the whole file waits until the error is fixed.
Why does my ZIP code show four digits?
Excel treats a ZIP code as a number and drops its leading zero. Format the ZIP column as text, type the zero back, and save the file again.
How do I see the errors for all my clients at once?
Click Error report (CSV) under Season at a glance on the dashboard. It lists every error across all your files in one spreadsheet. The link shows only while at least one file has errors.

Related

Try it on a file you already have.

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