Electronic Filing of W-2 and 1099 Documents
Employers and Agents
W-2 and 1099 tax documents may be sent to the Montana Department of Revenue electronically via our File Transfer Service (FTS), a component of the State’s ePass service. If you have already established an ePass account for other purposes, you can activate FTS using the username and password you created previously. Otherwise, you can create an account now by going to the File Transfer Service or by calling the Department of Revenue at (406) 444-6900 for personal assistance.
FTS is a secure system that uses AES encryption with a 256bit key length. AES is approved by NIST for FIPS 140-2 level 2 use.
File Properties
W-2 documents must be created using the most current version of the EFW2 format as defined by the Social Security Administration. Specific information about Montana requirements for the RS records (state wages and withholding) can be viewed by using the link below. One file may contain records for multiple employers. Every file must contain the records RA, RE, RW, RS, RT and RF. Records RO, RU and RV are optional.
1099 documents and all other information returns must be created using the most current version of the format as defined by IRS Publication 1220.
View EFW2 format specifications for W-2s
View Montana specifications for the RS records
Download AccuWage software for testing EFW2 formats
View IRS Publication 1220 format specifications for 1099’s
Files with Problems
If an FTS file is received on time but cannot be processed due to technical problems, the submitter will be notified and granted a 30-day grace period to correct the problem or submit paper copies of the statements.
Last updated 1/23/2012 2:17:38 PM
