How to Generate IRS ACA Test Case Scenarios - File 1095 Forms Electronically
What is AATS test scenarios?
AATS (Assurance Testing System) refers to both the process and the system used to test software and electronic transmissions prior to accepting Software Developers, Transmitters and Issuers into the AIR System.
IRS requires software developers to pass the eight test scenarios. Transmitters and Issuers must successfully submit one of the eight test submissions, with the associated scenarios.
Do I need to pass testing each year?
According to the IRS document, no additional testing is needed if a transmitter or an issuer passed it before. Learn more here
How to generate test scenarios E-files by using ez1095?
For testing, you cannot use your real company data!!! We have prepared all the data for you. You just need to download it from our site and enter your TCC to generate the XML files.
Step 1. If you have not applied TCC(Transmitter Control Code), please apply TCC in advance.
Anyone who need to E-file ACA forms (1095B/C) will need a TCC code to file in AIR system.
ez1095 software database file is .mdb file. You can NOT open this file manually or with Microsoft Access. You must open the file with ez1095 ACA software. After you download the test data file, please follow the step 4 and 5 below to read the data file.
Step 4: After downloading the test scenario data file, you need to unzip it and use ez1095 restore feature to copy the file to 1095 software data folder
4.1 Download the zipped data file.
4.2 Unzip file.
- Select the zip file from your download folder, right click the mouse button and select "Extract All" from the popup menu to unzip the data file.
- You can change the file folder if needed.
- After you extract file (unzip file), you will see the .mdb file in the folder. Do not open this .mdb file manually or with other application. Please follow the steps below and move this .mdb file to ez1095 data folder.
4.3 Restore data file.
4.3.1 Click the top menu "Company Management" then "Retore Company"
4.3.2: Select the file
4.3.3 Change the current account
Step 5: Select the new downloaded file as the current one if you did not do it on step 4.3.3
Step 6: Input your own TCC and generate the efile documents
We have prepared all data for you. You just need to enter your own TCC. Do not modify the company EIN, company name, address and other employee data. For testing, you cannot use your real company data!!!
6.1 Click the top menu "Current company" then "efile 1095/1094" button to view efile screen
6.2 Input your TCC only. (Do NOT modify the transmitter, company and form data.)
6.3 You can find the file folder path at the bottom of this screen. If you want to use a different folder, please click the button behind this field.
6.4 Save data and create efile XML files.
Step 7: Upload files to IRS site
If you've just obtained your TCC today, it's wise to hold off on conducting ACA testing immediately. Allow 1 to 2 business days for the IRS servers to recognize and synchronize with your new TCC status.
After you click the "Create File" button, two new XML files will be created in the file folder. (Note: You can view the file folder path at the bottom of the ez1095 efile screen.)
You need to upload these two XML files to IRS:
"Manifest_soapheader_xxxxxx.xml"- this is the manifest file
"1094X_Request_YourTCC_xxxxx.xml"- this is the data file
PLEASE DO NOT MODIFY FILES. Please record the Receipt ID after uploading.
On the IRS AIR Program screen, click the "User Interface (UI) ACA Assurance Testing System (AATS)" to access the testing site.
After uploading the files, login IRS ACA UI channel to check the status by inputing TCC and the Receipt ID.
If the status is "Accepted", you can call the IRS at 1-866-937-4130 to change the status to "Production". If they don't give you a call back in 48 hours. Please contact them again.
Step 8: How can I know if my TCC has been moved into production
You can check the status from your e-Services Account.
8.2. Click: Access e-Services (on left menu of the screen)
8.3. Click: Login or Register
8.4. Click: (ACA) your company name...
8.5. Click: Application
8.6 Click: ACA Application for TCC
8.7 In the Processed Applications section, click on the View Summary Page actions button. (It is the blue eye icon)
You will find the status
T = TEST
P = PRODUCTION
The Form
Status Indicator for a Transmitter or Issuer will initially be set to Test "T" and once the required testing is
successfully completed, will be set to Production "P".
When the Form Status Indicator is set to Test "T", submissions can only be made to AATS. Once the
Form Status Indicator has been set to Production "P", submissions using that TCC may not be made to
AATS and can only be made to Production.
Call IRS at 1-866-937-4130 to change the status to "Production" after IRS accepted your testing efile. If they don't give you call back in 48 hours, please contact them again.
