Are Business eFile Numbers (BENs) still required?No., Are zero returns required to be filed?Yes. There should be an e-filing for every period – even if they had zero withholding., Can I still submit my file with content validation errors?Yes, but before final submission it will populate what lines within the file have errors and that those returns will be suspended or not posted to the account. See the "rejection reason" a description of what is causing the error., Can payments be submitted via paper? Is a voucher required?The best method for submitting payments is electronically through GovConnectIowa. This ensures the payment is applied to the correct filing. A paper payment may be submitted after the return submission. Include the voucher provided after submitting your return when mailing your payment.Note: Semimonthly filers are required to pay electronically., Do you accept both the 12 digit and 9 digit withholding permit number?Yes, but using the 9 digit withholding permit number must be formatted correctly.Example: 123456789BlankBlankBlank, Does software require port forwarding?No port forwarding is required., If a service provider uses a software package to determine the proper tax due, must that software be certified?No software certification is required or offered., If I have one additional client to submit a return for, should I submit a bulk file?You may submit a bulk file with one return, or file individually for that client by gaining access to the client's account., If my return was rejected do I need to resubmit my payment?No, do not resubmit payment. If the payment does not appear on the account email csp-bulkfilers@iowa.gov for assistance locating the payment., If we are rounding payment amounts (no decimal) on the return, should we round the payment to match?The payment amount can be in dollars and cents. It can be smaller, the same, or larger than the return indicates is due., If we need to make an additional payment for an amended return, how does it reconcile?And do we file an additional coupon with payment and the amount will add to the original coupon filed? Or is there a separate process? You will file as return type “A” with amended payment or return information. The payment amount should match the actual payment with the amended transaction. Our programs process all transactions for the tax period when calculating the quarterly return., Is the 9 digit permit number just the 9 digit EIN?No, the 9 digit permit number is the IA withholding account permit number that was generated for any taxpayer that has a registered withholding permit with the Iowa Department of Revenue. , What are the advantages of registering to become a bulk filer?The main advantage is you do NOT have to request access under each individual client’s account to file withholding or payment bulk files. All returns and payments for your clients are generated using your logon. An additional advantage is that multiple returns may be sent in one file., What are the payment options?You can make payments electronically through GovConnectIowa, using a bank account or credit card. The Department of Revenue also accepts payments through the mail or delivered in-person. , What causes content validation errors?There are three validation errors that will cause a "content validation error"Invalid client permit number: either not formatted correctly (common for the 9 digit permit number, correct format = 123456789BlankBlankBlank), or permit number does not exist within our systemReturn already on file: submitting an original return again. If amended, needs to designate it is an amended return "Sequence 4, Return Type, A" of the bulk file WH specifications.Tax liability 1-7 cannot exceed total tax withheld, line 1: Tax liability fields 1-7, "Sequence 8-14" cannot add up to more than "Sequence 5, Withholding Tax"., What does the field "Return Type" mean?Record type identifier, What happens to the rejected returns?Rejected returns will not been filed with the Department. , What if my payment was taken out but the return was not posted via a bulk file that was sent in?There may have been a "content validation error". Any returns filed that generated a "content validation error" will not be posted and will need to be resubmitted after fixing the content validation error., What is considered "timely" with regard to mailing a check for payment and e-filing the return?Both the return and the payment are due on or before the due date. Electronic payment transactions must be submitted prior to 4 p.m. on the due date in order to be considered timely. Paper payments must be postmarked on or before the due date.If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday as defined in Iowa code 421.9A, then the due date is the following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. , What is the difference between formatting and content validation errors?Formatting errors are errors that do not meet our file layouts. They will hard stop the file, meaning the file cannot be uploaded as our system will not accept anything that does not meet our set file formats.Content validation errors are those that will cause returns to suspend. Returns that are rejected or suspended will not be posted to the client's account., What is the first step if I want to become a bulk filer?The first step is to register using GovConnectIowa. The Iowa Department of Revenue will register the applicant as a bulk filer and email relevant information. New bulk filers must file using GovConnectIowa., What is the process if we are making a late payment? Do we submit it like a regular payment?Yes. The filing process is the same for late returns and payments as it is for timely returns and payments., When can I test withholding tax?Only approved bulk filers can access the test site. Additional information will be provided to approved bulk filers in regards to the test site. Email CSP-Bulkfilers@iowa.gov with questions., Will I need my client’s bank routing number and bank account number?Yes. If your client is making an electronic payment, you will need your client’s bank routing number, bank account number, and account type (checking or savings)., Will the return show an amount due if I am not making a payment?Yes, even if the payment amount is zero., Will there be any type of “grace period” for the turnaround time on corrections/resubmissions?Since transactions must be submitted on or before the due date, all corrections must be made and submitted by the due date.

Question

Are Business eFile Numbers (BENs) still required?No.,  Are zero returns required to be filed?Yes. There should be an e-filing for every period – even if they had zero withholding.,  Can I still submit my file with content validation errors?Yes, but before final submission it will populate what lines within the file have errors and that those returns will be suspended or not posted to the account. See the "rejection reason" a description of what is causing the error.,  Can payments be submitted via paper? Is a voucher required?The best method for submitting payments is electronically through GovConnectIowa. This ensures the payment is applied to the correct filing. A paper payment may be submitted after the return submission. Include the voucher provided after submitting your return when mailing your payment.Note: Semimonthly filers are required to pay electronically.,  Do you accept both the 12 digit and 9 digit withholding permit number?Yes, but using the 9 digit withholding permit number must be formatted correctly.Example: 123456789BlankBlankBlank,  Does software require port forwarding?No port forwarding is required.,  If a service provider uses a software package to determine the proper tax due, must that software be certified?No software certification is required or offered.,  If I have one additional client to submit a return for, should I submit a bulk file?You may submit a bulk file with one return, or file individually for that client by gaining access to the client's account.,  If my return was rejected do I need to resubmit my payment?No, do not resubmit payment. If the payment does not appear on the account email csp-bulkfilers@iowa.gov for assistance locating the payment.,  If we are rounding payment amounts (no decimal) on the return, should we round the payment to match?The payment amount can be in dollars and cents. It can be smaller, the same, or larger than the return indicates is due.,  If we need to make an additional payment for an amended return, how does it reconcile?And do we file an additional coupon with payment and the amount will add to the original coupon filed? Or is there a separate process? You will file as return type “A” with amended payment or return information. The payment amount should match the actual payment with the amended transaction. Our programs process all transactions for the tax period when calculating the quarterly return.,  Is the 9 digit permit number just the 9 digit EIN?No, the 9 digit permit number is the IA withholding account permit number that was generated for any taxpayer that has a registered withholding permit with the Iowa Department of Revenue. ,  What are the advantages of registering to become a bulk filer?The main advantage is you do NOT have to request access under each individual client’s account to file withholding or payment bulk files. All returns and payments for your clients are generated using your logon. An additional advantage is that multiple returns may be sent in one file.,  What are the payment options?You can make payments electronically through GovConnectIowa, using a bank account or credit card. The Department of Revenue also accepts payments through the mail or delivered in-person. ,  What causes content validation errors?There are three validation errors that will cause a "content validation error"Invalid client permit number: either not formatted correctly (common for the 9 digit permit number, correct format = 123456789BlankBlankBlank), or permit number does not exist within our systemReturn already on file: submitting an original return again. If amended, needs to designate it is an amended return "Sequence 4, Return Type, A" of the bulk file WH specifications.Tax liability 1-7 cannot exceed total tax withheld, line 1: Tax liability fields 1-7, "Sequence 8-14" cannot add up to more than "Sequence 5, Withholding Tax".,  What does the field "Return Type" mean?Record type identifier,  What happens to the rejected returns?Rejected returns will not been filed with the Department.  ,  What if my payment was taken out but the return was not posted via a bulk file that was sent in?There may have been a "content validation error". Any returns filed that generated a "content validation error" will not be posted and will need to be resubmitted after fixing the content validation error.,  What is considered "timely" with regard to mailing a check for payment and e-filing the return?Both the return and the payment are due on or before the due date. Electronic payment transactions must be submitted prior to 4 p.m. on the due date in order to be considered timely. Paper payments must be postmarked on or before the due date.If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday as defined in Iowa code 421.9A, then the due date is the following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. ,  What is the difference between formatting and content validation errors?Formatting errors are errors that do not meet our file layouts. They will hard stop the file, meaning the file cannot be uploaded as our system will not accept anything that does not meet our set file formats.Content validation errors are those that will cause returns to suspend. Returns that are rejected or suspended will not be posted to the client's account.,  What is the first step if I want to become a bulk filer?The first step is to register using GovConnectIowa. The Iowa Department of Revenue will register the applicant as a bulk filer and email relevant information. New bulk filers must file using GovConnectIowa.,  What is the process if we are making a late payment? Do we submit it like a regular payment?Yes. The filing process is the same for late returns and payments as it is for timely returns and payments.,  When can I test withholding tax?Only approved bulk filers can access the test site. Additional information will be provided to approved bulk filers in regards to the test site. Email CSP-Bulkfilers@iowa.gov with questions.,  Will I need my client’s bank routing number and bank account number?Yes. If your client is making an electronic payment, you will need your client’s bank routing number, bank account number, and account type (checking or savings).,  Will the return show an amount due if I am not making a payment?Yes, even if the payment amount is zero.,  Will there be any type of “grace period” for the turnaround time on corrections/resubmissions?Since transactions must be submitted on or before the due date, all corrections must be made and submitted by the due date.

Accepted Answer

Are Business eFile Numbers (BENs) still required?No.,  Are zero returns required to be filed?Yes. There should be an e-filing for every period – even if they had zero withholding.,  Can I still submit my file with content validation errors?Yes, but before final submission it will populate what lines within the file have errors and that those returns will be suspended or not posted to the account. See the "rejection reason" a description of what is causing the error.,  Can payments be submitted via paper? Is a voucher required?The best method for submitting payments is electronically through GovConnectIowa. This ensures the payment is applied to the correct filing. A paper payment may be submitted after the return submission. Include the voucher provided after submitting your return when mailing your payment.Note: Semimonthly filers are required to pay electronically.,  Do you accept both the 12 digit and 9 digit withholding permit number?Yes, but using the 9 digit withholding permit number must be formatted correctly.Example: 123456789BlankBlankBlank,  Does software require port forwarding?No port forwarding is required.,  If a service provider uses a software package to determine the proper tax due, must that software be certified?No software certification is required or offered.,  If I have one additional client to submit a return for, should I submit a bulk file?You may submit a bulk file with one return, or file individually for that client by gaining access to the client's account.,  If my return was rejected do I need to resubmit my payment?No, do not resubmit payment. If the payment does not appear on the account email csp-bulkfilers@iowa.gov for assistance locating the payment.,  If we are rounding payment amounts (no decimal) on the return, should we round the payment to match?The payment amount can be in dollars and cents. It can be smaller, the same, or larger than the return indicates is due.,  If we need to make an additional payment for an amended return, how does it reconcile?And do we file an additional coupon with payment and the amount will add to the original coupon filed? Or is there a separate process? You will file as return type “A” with amended payment or return information. The payment amount should match the actual payment with the amended transaction. Our programs process all transactions for the tax period when calculating the quarterly return.,  Is the 9 digit permit number just the 9 digit EIN?No, the 9 digit permit number is the IA withholding account permit number that was generated for any taxpayer that has a registered withholding permit with the Iowa Department of Revenue. ,  What are the advantages of registering to become a bulk filer?The main advantage is you do NOT have to request access under each individual client’s account to file withholding or payment bulk files. All returns and payments for your clients are generated using your logon. An additional advantage is that multiple returns may be sent in one file.,  What are the payment options?You can make payments electronically through GovConnectIowa, using a bank account or credit card. The Department of Revenue also accepts payments through the mail or delivered in-person. ,  What causes content validation errors?There are three validation errors that will cause a "content validation error"Invalid client permit number: either not formatted correctly (common for the 9 digit permit number, correct format = 123456789BlankBlankBlank), or permit number does not exist within our systemReturn already on file: submitting an original return again. If amended, needs to designate it is an amended return "Sequence 4, Return Type, A" of the bulk file WH specifications.Tax liability 1-7 cannot exceed total tax withheld, line 1: Tax liability fields 1-7, "Sequence 8-14" cannot add up to more than "Sequence 5, Withholding Tax".,  What does the field "Return Type" mean?Record type identifier,  What happens to the rejected returns?Rejected returns will not been filed with the Department.  ,  What if my payment was taken out but the return was not posted via a bulk file that was sent in?There may have been a "content validation error". Any returns filed that generated a "content validation error" will not be posted and will need to be resubmitted after fixing the content validation error.,  What is considered "timely" with regard to mailing a check for payment and e-filing the return?Both the return and the payment are due on or before the due date. Electronic payment transactions must be submitted prior to 4 p.m. on the due date in order to be considered timely. Paper payments must be postmarked on or before the due date.If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday as defined in Iowa code 421.9A, then the due date is the following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. ,  What is the difference between formatting and content validation errors?Formatting errors are errors that do not meet our file layouts. They will hard stop the file, meaning the file cannot be uploaded as our system will not accept anything that does not meet our set file formats.Content validation errors are those that will cause returns to suspend. Returns that are rejected or suspended will not be posted to the client's account.,  What is the first step if I want to become a bulk filer?The first step is to register using GovConnectIowa. The Iowa Department of Revenue will register the applicant as a bulk filer and email relevant information. New bulk filers must file using GovConnectIowa.,  What is the process if we are making a late payment? Do we submit it like a regular payment?Yes. The filing process is the same for late returns and payments as it is for timely returns and payments.,  When can I test withholding tax?Only approved bulk filers can access the test site. Additional information will be provided to approved bulk filers in regards to the test site. Email CSP-Bulkfilers@iowa.gov with questions.,  Will I need my client’s bank routing number and bank account number?Yes. If your client is making an electronic payment, you will need your client’s bank routing number, bank account number, and account type (checking or savings).,  Will the return show an amount due if I am not making a payment?Yes, even if the payment amount is zero.,  Will there be any type of “grace period” for the turnaround time on corrections/resubmissions?Since transactions must be submitted on or before the due date, all corrections must be made and submitted by the due date.

Bulk Filing

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Bulk Filing

List items for Bulk Filing

Are Business eFile Numbers (BENs) still required?

Are zero returns required to be filed?

Can I still submit my file with content validation errors?

Can payments be submitted via paper? Is a voucher required?

Do you accept both the 12 digit and 9 digit withholding permit number?

Does software require port forwarding?

If a service provider uses a software package to determine the proper tax due, must that software be certified?

If I have one additional client to submit a return for, should I submit a bulk file?

If my return was rejected do I need to resubmit my payment?

If we are rounding payment amounts (no decimal) on the return, should we round the payment to match?

If we need to make an additional payment for an amended return, how does it reconcile?

Is the 9 digit permit number just the 9 digit EIN?

What are the advantages of registering to become a bulk filer?

What are the payment options?

What causes content validation errors?

What does the field "Return Type" mean?

What happens to the rejected returns?

What if my payment was taken out but the return was not posted via a bulk file that was sent in?

What is considered "timely" with regard to mailing a check for payment and e-filing the return?

What is the difference between formatting and content validation errors?

What is the first step if I want to become a bulk filer?

What is the process if we are making a late payment? Do we submit it like a regular payment?

When can I test withholding tax?

Will I need my client’s bank routing number and bank account number?

Will the return show an amount due if I am not making a payment?

Will there be any type of “grace period” for the turnaround time on corrections/resubmissions?