Iowa cigarette and tobacco products tax returns are changing. Beginning November 12, 2024, distributors will be able to file returns online through GovConnectIowa. The available methods for filing returns through GovConnectIowa are XML, Excel, and manual entry. More information on how to file Brand Specific Reports, PACT reports, and Uniform Cigarette & Tobacco returns will be available in November.
Iowa is joining other states in using uniform tax forms to help distributors meet required tax reporting and collections requirements in multiple states. Industry representatives and the Tobacco Uniformity Project of the Federal Tax Administrators (FTA) worked together to develop the uniform forms. For more information about this nationwide project, visit the FTA website.
The Iowa Cigarette and Tobacco Tax Uniformity Guide provides additional information, including drafts of the new forms and instructions on how to send test files and test payments via xml. If you plan on filing using a .xml data file, you are required to use the new xml schemas, available on the Cigarette & Tobacco Tax webpage. More information will be available in November 2024 for manual entry and Excel filing and payment methods.
The Department will have self-paced video tutorials (available this fall) on the Department’s website and YouTube channel.
What do you need to do?
- Determine if you need to make bookkeeping or software programming changes to your accounting systems to be compliant with the new forms
- Subscribe to receive updates by email from the Department
- Visit GovConnectIowa to electronically file your cigarette & tobacco returns and reports
For general questions about retailer cigarette/tobacco permits and forms.