How to Generate XML Files and eFile 1095/1094 Forms to IRS

ez1095: 1095 & 1094 ACA Software. IRS Approved.

Starting in 2025, Halfpricesoft now offers E-Filing Service for ACA forms. Skip the weeks long AIR authorizaiton process Learn more

Who Is This Step-by-Step Guide For?

With ez1095 software, clients have two options for electronically submitting ACA forms to the IRS:

Option 1: File ACA forms directly to the IRS using your own IRS account and TCC.
This guide is specifically designed for clients who choose this option and need assistance uploading ACA forms to the IRS.

Option 2: Submit ACA forms through Halfpricesoft's e-filing service.
If you do not have an IRS account and TCC, you can take advantage of our 1095 e-filing service. Learn more about this service here.)

(Click here to view state ACA form efiling guide)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to E-File ACA Forms Directly to the IRS

ez1095 software can generate the XML documents you can upload to IRS site. The efile XML documents include 1095 forms and 1094 form.

This comprehensive guide to 1095 e-filing covers every essential step. If you're an experienced ACA e-filer, feel free to skip directly to Step 3, bypassing Steps 1 and 2.

Step 1: Apply for a Transmitter Control Code (TCC) from the IRS (required for new e-filers only)

How to apply TCC for ACA efiling

If you are a new ACA form efiler, you must apply TCC(Transmitter Control Code) from the IRS. This TCC for 1095 ACA Form filing is different from the TCC for 1099 filing.

Learn more detail: How to apply TCC?

Want to efile immediately and avoid the weeks long TCC application process? Learn more.

Step 2: Pass ACA Testing (required for new e-filers only)

First time efilers need to test communication with AIR system by passing one of the eight test scenarios.

You CANNOT submit your company information for testing!!!. We have prepared all data for you to pass this step. You just need to follow our guide and enter your own TCC.

How to pass ACA testing

2.1 Install ez1095 software

New clients are welcome to test drive ez1095 for free. To generte the XML files which includes our IRS approved software ID, you need to purchase and register the ez1095 license.

2.2 Download pre-built testing data

2.3 Enter your TCC, generate XML files and upload ACA testing site, AATS

Learn more at How to pass ACA testing

.

2.4 After you pass the ACA testing, IRS will change your TCC status from "T" (Testing) to "P" (production).

- How can I know if my TCC has been moved into P (Production) status

Step 3: Final submission - file your ACA forms to IRS Production site

3.1 Prepare production data

- Add a new account
Start ez1095, Add a new account by click the top menu "Accounts->Add Company" to add new bank account.

- Enter company information

- Enter or import 1095 form information

- Enter form 1094 information

- Print 1095 forms for recipients

Note: The XML efile documents include both 1095 and 1094 information. The company information will be filled in automatically on form 1094 based on company setup. You need to enter other information on Form 1094 manually(ie: total number of 1095 forms).

Related links:

- How to prepare and print Form 1095-C and 1094-C

- How to prepare and print Form 1095-B and 1094-B

- How to Import Data

- IRS Form 1094/1095C Instructions

- IRS Form 1094/1095B Instructions

3.2: Generate XML documents

3.2.1 Click ez1095 top menu "Efile 1094/1095" to view efile screen

3.2.2 Input your TCC and correct EIN to generate efile. DO NOT check "Is Test" check box for your production file.

- Click the "Save Data" form to save your efiling settings.

- Click the "Create File" button to generate the XML files: "Manifest_soapheader_xxxxxx.xml" (the manifest file) and "1094X_Request_YourTCC_xxxxx.xml"(the data file).

Your default efile location will be in "C:\Users\Public\Documents\Halfpricesoft\ez1095(20XX)" directory. You can change this path.

ie: for Year 2023, the default path is ez1095(2023).