Sec. 2 Purpose

The purpose of this publication is to provide the specifications for electronic filing of Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Generally, the boxes on the paper forms correspond with the fields used for the electronic file; however, if the form and field instructions don’t match, the guidance in this publication supersedes the form instructions. Electronic reporting of information returns eliminates the need for electronic filers to file paper documents to the IRS. Don’t send copies of paper forms to the IRS for any forms filed electronically. This will result in duplicate filing and may result in penalty notices.

The Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) System can accept multiple files for the same type of return. For example, if a company has several branches issuing Forms 1042-S, it is not necessary to consolidate all the forms into one transmission. Each file may be sent separately. Don’t transmit duplicate data.

This publication should be used in conjunction with the following forms and publications:

• Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding

• Instructions for Form 1042-S, Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding

• Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities

• Publication 1179, General Rules and Specifications for Substitute Forms 1096, 1098,

1099, 5498, and Certain Other Information Returns