Recent legislation requires Washington State taxpayers who file business excise taxes quarterly to electronically file and pay taxes due after July 22, 2011. (Engrossed House Bill 1357)
Notifying taxpayers
The Department of Revenue is notifying quarterly taxpayers of these new reporting requirements.
· On May 4, a secure email message explaining the change went to taxpayers who have online accounts with the Department. While most of those taxpayers already file electronically, not all of them pay electronically. The message explains their electronic payment options.
· Quarterly taxpayers who file paper returns will receive a letter from the Department mid-May. That mailing will include instructions on how to set up an online account and descriptions of the various electronic payment options. Quarterly paper filers will still receive their paper Quarter 2, 2011 tax return in the mail. The Department will not mail returns after Quarter 2 unless the taxpayer has received a waiver (see Waiver below).
Creating an online account
Both mailings will refer taxpayers to dor.wa.gov/mandatorye-file, a Department web page that includes additional information and tools. Taxpayers who will file electronically for the first time are encouraged to go to the website and preview both the My Account registration process and the E-file tool, and review the frequently asked questions.
Taxpayers who do not have an online account with the Department can create their online account at any time. Creating their account well in advance of the filing due date will ensure they are able to file their return on time. Tax returns can be filed early and electronic payments can be scheduled for the due date.
Waiver
Taxpayers who are unable to file and pay electronically may be granted a waiver from this requirement. To request a waiver, they need to send a written explanation to:
Electronic Filing and Payment Team
Department of Revenue
PO Box 47476
Olympia, WA 98504-7476
Benefits of E-file
E-file, the Department’s online filing tool, offers many benefits to taxpayers, including:
· 24/7 secure access
· Automatic calculations
· Current rates
· Error checking
· Immediate confirmation of receipt
· Ability to file early and schedule payment for the due date
Questions?
Contact the Department’s E-file team at 877.345.3353.