If you're submitting large volumes of taxpayer data for IRS TIN Matching, the IRS bulk format offers a powerful alternative to manual entry. However, getting the file format right is critical—one mistake, and the file may be rejected. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the IRS BULK TIN Matching file structure, explain the rules, and show how TIN Comply makes the process easier and more reliable.
Bulk TIN Matching lets you upload up to 100,000 TIN/Name combinations in a single .txt file using a specific format. It’s ideal for payers who need to validate large data sets for IRS reporting, especially for 1099s.
This service is available through the IRS e-Services platform for authorized users.
Each record in the file must follow this format and be separated by a semicolon:
TIN Type; TIN; Name; Account Number (optional)
1 = EIN, 2 = SSN, 3 = UnknownImportant: The IRS does not validate the account number field—it’s returned unmodified in the results.
1;123456789;ABC Corporation;INV00123
2;987654321;Jane Smith;
3;112233445;Smith & Co;ClientA
Only hyphens (-) and ampersands (&) are allowed in the Name field. All other special characters (like ' or ,) should be removed.
Each returned line from the IRS will mirror the original input with an additional result indicator:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
0 |
Match: TIN/Name combination matches IRS records |
1 |
TIN missing or not 9-digit numeric |
2 |
TIN not currently issued |
3 |
TIN/Name combo does not match IRS records |
4 |
Invalid request (e.g., bad format) |
5 |
Duplicate request |
6 |
Matched on SSN (if TIN type was unknown) |
7 |
Matched on EIN (if TIN type was unknown) |
8 |
Matched on both SSN and EIN (if TIN type was unknown) |
For unknown TIN types, use
3—the IRS will check both SSN and EIN databases.
Preparing IRS-compliant bulk files can be time-consuming and error-prone. That’s where TIN Comply simplifies and strengthens your workflow with powerful automation and intelligent processing:
Drag-and-drop uploads for Excel, CSV, or TXT files
Auto-formatting to IRS-compliant bulk file structure— typically no manual reformatting required
Faster processing usually within the hour—no 24-hour or more IRS wait time
Combined validations: TIN Match, EIN Lookup, Sanctions Screening, and more—all in one file
Process files with over 100,000 records—no artificial limits on upload size
Unlimited extra data columns—include as many additional fields as needed; they’ll remain untouched in the final output
Duplicate handling—we automatically detect and separate duplicates to comply with IRS limits and avoid account bans. All data is processed and intelligently recombined
BULK results via API—upload and retrieve validation outcomes seamlessly using our developer-friendly API
User dashboard & full audit trails—easily track your uploads, download results, and maintain compliance history
Whether you're preparing hundreds or millions of TINs, TIN Comply simplifies the IRS bulk submission process—eliminating formatting issues, reducing errors, and giving you faster results.
Sign up for a free trial and upload your first bulk file in minutes.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a tax or compliance professional for guidance tailored to your organization's specific needs.
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