ACA Reporting: uploading your test file

After you have obtained your TCC from the IRS, the next step is to upload a set of test files to pass their “communications test”.  This will verify that you can upload the required manifest and form files and receive the Receipt ID produced by the IRS.

Unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t seem to have gone out of their way to provide you an obvious method of getting to the test file upload page.  When you log into your e-Services account, there doesn’t seem to be any menu option or link that will take you there.

Here is the link for the AIR UI Channel Login – AATS (Testing).  Use this link to upload your test file.  Refer to the online help page for more details about generating the test file and uploading it.  (Press F1 on the Generate Electronic ACA File window to view the help page.  Review the information for the Create Test File button and the link at the bottom of the page for the ACA Electronic Test File Upload.)

After uploading your test file, call the IRS Help Desk to give them the Receipt ID so that they can check the file and change your status from “test” to “production”.

Here is the link for the AIR UI Channel Login -Production. Use this link after you’ve upload your test file and your TCC status has been changed to “Production” to upload the actual ACA electronic file.