Confirm the file appears in Current Uploaded File
After upload, the IRS describes a blue Current Uploaded File box containing the filename. If the file is not listed, the upload is not ready to start.
IRIS Portal upload help
IRIS CSV Start button is gray: check the file before the portal
The IRS says the Start button becomes active after the file is recognized and the upload state is ready. If it stays gray, first confirm that the Portal actually recognizes the selected file.
Step-by-step fix
Use a controlled troubleshooting sequence
Confirm the extension and encoding
Save the file as CSV UTF-8 (Comma Delimited). Renaming an .xlsx file to .csv does not create a valid CSV.
Use the current IRS template unchanged
Do not add, delete, rename or reorder template columns. The uploaded column count must match the IRS template.
Refresh and upload again if the file never appears
If the filename is missing from the current-uploaded-file area, refresh the Portal and retry as the IRS troubleshooting guidance suggests.
Validate the raw CSV in a text-aware workflow
Check for formulas, scientific notation, unexpected delimiters, extra header rows and line breaks before another upload attempt.
Common failure points
Problems that cause avoidable repeat filings
CSV saved from Excel with wrong encoding
Use CSV UTF-8. Special characters can be damaged in other encodings.
Filename displayed but Start still inactive
Review the file for immediate upload validation messages and confirm no browser extension/security control is interrupting the page.
File is really XLSX
Open the Save As dialog and explicitly select the CSV UTF-8 file type.
Template columns changed
Download a fresh IRS template and map your data into it without changing the header structure.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Does a gray Start button mean the IRS rejected my filing?
No. The filing has not started. It is an upload/readiness problem, not a final submission status.
Can I use my own CSV headers?
The IRS Portal CSV workflow requires the IRS-provided templates and exact formatting rules.
Should I call the help desk immediately?
First perform the checks in Publication 5717 and the IRS IRIS helpful hints. If the Portal still will not recognize a valid file, use the current help desk information on IRS.gov.
Need the next step?
Use the related 1099ERICH support or free tool before creating another IRS submission.
Validate an IRIS CSVBrowse Supported SoftwareOfficial sources
IRS resources used for this guide
Use the current agency source as the final authority when requirements change.
Prepare cleaner IRIS files before you upload.
1099ERICH imports Excel/CSV source data, validates supported records, prints recipient copies and creates IRIS-ready filing files on Windows.