TIN format
Looks for missing values, alphabetic characters, scientific notation, decimal-style conversion, and values that are not nine digits after common punctuation is removed.
Free local CSV tool
Pre-Filing TIN & Name Cleanup Checker
Scan an information-return CSV for obvious TIN formatting risks, blank names, whitespace, scientific notation, and inconsistent name/TIN combinations before filing.
✓ Your CSV stays in your browserCheck a CSV for TIN/name data-quality risks
This is not IRS TIN Matching. A locally clean TIN can still fail to match IRS records. Use the official IRS TIN Matching program when you are eligible and need an IRS database match result.
What it checks
Catch spreadsheet damage before it reaches the filing file.
Name hygiene
Looks for blank name fields and leading or trailing spaces that may come from exports, copied data, or spreadsheet cleanup.
Consistency
Flags the same TIN appearing with materially different name text so you can review whether duplicate records are truly the same payee.
Then use the IRS match service when appropriate
The IRS TIN Matching program is the service that can compare eligible payee name/TIN combinations with IRS records before filing. Current IRS materials describe interactive matching for up to 25 combinations at a time and bulk matching for up to 100,000 combinations.
IRS source: TIN matching tools
Pre-filing TIN cleanup FAQs
Does this tool perform IRS TIN Matching?
No. It checks the CSV on your device for local data-quality problems. It does not connect to the IRS TIN Matching database and cannot confirm whether a name/TIN combination matches IRS records.
What TIN problems can it find?
It flags blank TIN fields, obvious non-nine-digit values, alphabetic characters, scientific notation, decimal-looking values, leading or trailing spaces, and inconsistent names associated with the same TIN in the uploaded CSV.
Is my CSV uploaded to 1099ERICH?
No. The checker runs in your browser and reads the selected file locally.
What should I do after the file is clean?
For forms and payers eligible for the IRS TIN Matching program, consider using the official IRS service to check name/TIN combinations before filing. Then use your form-specific validator for the full CSV layout.
Free tool → complete workflow
Move from a free check to the complete 1099ERICH workflow.
The free tools help diagnose individual filing problems. 1099ERICH is the $299 Windows desktop workflow for importing CSV or Excel data, validating records, printing recipient copies, and creating IRIS-ready CSV files.
Windows desktopCSV + Excel importRecipient copiesIRIS-ready CSV$299