I filed a Form 1099-MISC with the IRS a few years ago, and it was easy. I'm almost positive I did it on the same platform as the W-2s -- with the SSA. This could be like 3-4 years back.

Well, I had a client come in needing to file a 1099-MISC in March, and I said, "Sure, no problem." I tried to do it on the SSA site, but there was no place to do 1099s. The only thing I see for 1099s is "FIRE" -- Filing Information Returns Electronically. I go to the FIRE site, and in order to file there, I need to set up an account (I have an account on SSA, but this appears to be a totally different system). I went to sign up for an account, but I need a "Transmitter Control Code." In doing some more research, a "Transmitter Control Code" is only used for 1095s -- those health insurance forms. But I don't have a Transmitter Control Code, and I don't want a Transmitter Control Code, and I don't need one, because I'm not filing any Forms 1095, I'm trying to file a 1099.

Does anyone know how to file a 1099 when you don't have a TCC? I've tried to call every number they give me, and of course they are all closed, and tell you to go online, but all it says online is that the TCC is used for insurance filing (which isn't what I need), and that to file a 1099-MISC you need to go to FIRE (which requires a TCC) -- which is contradictory.... so I'm stuck.

Any ideas?