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Taxes » e-Services

e-Services Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is electronic filing?
  2. How is electronic filing different from EFT?
  3. What are the benefits of electronic filing?
  4. Who is required to file electronically?
  5. When must I begin filing electronically?
  6. May I participate in electronic filing or payment even if I am not required to?
  7. Which tax returns can be filed electronically?
  8. Are there different methods of electronic filing?
  9. How do I enroll to file and pay electronically?
  10. When is the deadline for enrolling to file and pay electronically?
  11. How do I get a User ID and Password?
  12. When will I receive my User ID and Password?
  13. When can I use my user ID and Password?
  14. Will I still receive a coupon booklet and/or forms?
  15. Can I file and pay electronically at the same time?
  16. When are electronic returns and payments considered late?
  17. What if I file a tax return incorrectly?
  18. I normally file electronically, but I'm unable to. What should I do?
  19. If I received a password last year, will I receive a new one this year?
  20. Will the filing and payment information I transmit electronically be secure and confidential?
  21. How can I get more information about the e-Services program?

  1. What is electronic filing?

    Electronic filing is the electronic transfer of tax return information. When you file your tax return using an electronic method, the information you provide is electronically transmitted securely to the Department. The information you file electronically replaces the paper return you once mailed to us.

  2. How is electronic filing different from EFT?

    Electronic filing is the electronic transfer of tax return information.

    Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the transfer of funds between accounts by electronic means. When you pay your tax using EFT, funds are electronically transferred from your bank account to the Department's bank account. For more information about EFT, read the Electronic Payment FAQs.

  3. What are the benefits of filing electronically?

    Filing your return electronically benefits both you and the Department. Electronic filing is:

    • Convenient:
      • Provides access for filing returns and paying tax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
      • Eliminates paperwork - you no longer need to mail in a paper return
      • Allows you to file and pay at the same time - no need to call in a separate EFT payment
    • Fast:
      • Ensures timely and accurate posting of information to your tax account
      • Provides printable confirmation that your tax return and/or payment was accepted
      • Reduces processing time for fuel tax refunds
    • Accurate:
      • Verifies calculations before you submit your return - eliminates math errors
      • Reduces data entry errors
    • Secure:
      • Ensures security and confidentiality for all transactions

  4. Who is required to file electronically?

    The following taxpayers are required to both file and pay electronically:

    • Businesses or individuals whose sales and use tax and/or solid waste and surcharge liability was $20,000 or more in the prior state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
    • Businesses that file consolidated returns for sales and use tax
    • Businesses whose communications services tax liability was $20,000 or more in the prior state fiscal year
    • All fuel tax filers that must report information for tracking fuel movement
    • Employers that filed unemployment tax for ten or more employees in any quarter of the prior state fiscal year
    • Any business or individual that filed unemployment tax for 100 or more employers in any quarter of the prior state fiscal year (only required to file electronically)

    Filers of "zero" tax returns for sales and use, unemployment, fuel, or communications services tax.

    The Department has been authorized to waive the electronic filing requirement under certain conditions. You will not be required to purchase equipment or incur a financial hardship to comply. If you have a valid business reason for not filing returns electronically, you must submit a Request for Waiver from Electronic Filing to the Department. A waiver, if approved, applies only to your electronic return-filing requirement. You are still required to pay your tax electronically.

  5. When must I begin filing electronically?

    Sales and use tax, solid waste and surcharge, and communications services tax dealers, and fuel tax licensees, who are required to file electronically for the upcoming calendar year, must do so beginning with their January return.

    Employers required to file unemployment tax electronically for the upcoming calendar year must do so beginning with the first quarter return.

  6. May I participate in electronic filing or payment even if I am not required to?

    Yes. Any taxpayer may file and pay electronically for their own convenience.

  7. Which tax returns can be filed electronically?

    • Sales and Use Tax Returns (DR-15 and DR-15EZ)
    • Sales and Use Tax Returns for consolidated filers (Forms DR-15CON and DR-7)
    • Solid Waste and Surcharge Returns (Form DR-15SW)
    • Solid Waste and Surcharge Returns for consolidated filers (Form DR-15SWS)
    • Communications Services Tax Returns (Form DR-700016)
    • Terminal Supplier Tax Return (Form DR-309631)
    • Terminal Operator Tax Returns (Form DR-309636)
    • Wholesaler/Importer Fuel Tax Returns (Form DR-309632)
    • Petroleum Carrier Information Returns (Form DR-309637)
    • Mass Transit System Provider Fuel Tax Returns (Form DR-309633)
    • Local Government User of Diesel Fuel Tax Returns (Form DR-309634)
    • Unemployment Tax, Employers Quarterly Report (Form UCT-6)
    • Corporate Income Tax Returns (Form F1120A)
    • Gross Receipts Tax Returns (Form DR-133)

  8. Are there different methods of electronic filing?

    Yes. The two most common methods are Internet Filing and Software Filing. Touchtone options are also available.

  9. How do I enroll to file and pay electronically?

    Enroll online using Enrollment/Authorization for e-Services.

  10. When is the deadline for enrolling to file and pay electronically?

    You should enroll as soon as possible and no later than 30 days before your first electronic filing date.

  11. How do I get a User ID and Password?

    Enroll online using Enrollment/Authorization for e-Services.

  12. When will I receive my User ID and Password?

    Sales and use tax and unemployment tax filers who choose to enroll online, using the Internet File & Pay method, will receive their user information immediately upon successful enrollment. For all other taxes and options, you will receive your user information approximately 4-6 weeks following enrollment.

  13. When can I use my user ID and Password?

    The User ID and Password will be available for use within 24 to 48 hours.

  14. Will I still receive a coupon booklet and/or forms?

    No. Taxpayers that file electronically will not receive a coupon booklet or forms.

  15. Can I file and pay electronically at the same time?

    Yes. By using the ACH-Debit process, your electronic payment can be initiated at the same time that you file your electronic return. See Electronic Payment FAQs.

  16. When are electronic returns and payments considered late?

    Payments: You must complete your electronic payment initiation before 5:00 p.m., ET, on the business day before the due date.

    Returns: You must complete your electronic return transmission before 5:00 p.m., ET, on the due date.

    Payments and Returns: If you are electronically filing a return and making your payment at the same time (i.e., using the Department's Internet file-and-pay site), your file-and-pay submission must be completed before 5:00 p.m., ET on the business day before the due date.

    Note: If you are using software from an approved vendor, contact your vendor for any internal deadlines that may exist. For additional information regarding payment deadlines, refer to the Electronic Payment FAQs. For specific due dates, refer to the calendar.

  17. What if I file a tax return incorrectly?

    If the correction can be made before 5 p.m.on the day of submission, use the cancellation option for Unemployment tax and Sales and Use tax. If the correction cannot be made online before 5 p.m., you will need to file an amended paper return. Continue reading for instructions on how to file amended Unemployment tax and Sales and Use tax returns. For all other types of returns or questions, call Taxpayer Services at 800-352-3671 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., ET.

    Note: You will need to have the following information available when you call: tax account number, dollar amount of the return, incorrect applied period, and correct applied period.

    To amend a sales tax return:

    • Use the Taxpayer Copy of the Form DR-15 or DR-15EZ coupon that comes in the coupon book, or make a copy of the original return that needs to be amended, or request a new coupon by calling (850) 922-9645, or download a blank form (DR-15CS or DR-15EZCS) from our website at http://www.myflorida.com/dor/forms/download/!sales.html.
    • Write AMENDED on the coupon.
    • If Form DR-15 is filed, enter the correct information on Lines 1 through 14 on the front of the return and any relevant information on Lines 15 through 20 on the back of the return. If Form DR-15EZ is filed, enter the correct information on Lines 1 through 9 of the return.
    • Do not adjust Line 14 (DR-15) or Line 9 (DR-15EZ) to match the overpayment or credit. The Department will properly adjust Line 14 or Line 9 of the amended return when the return is approved and processed.

    An amended return may result in either an overpayment of tax, additional tax due, or verification that the original tax amount paid is correct. Any additional tax due must be paid with the amended return. If an overpayment has occurred, the Department will issue a credit memo after the amended return has been approved and processed. If there is additional tax due, mail the amended return to the Florida Department of Revenue, Returns and Revenue Processing, 5050 West Tennessee Street, Building L, Tallahassee, Florida32399-0120. If there is an overpayment, or if the correct tax was paid and the figures on the return were incorrect, mail the amended return to Florida Department of Revenue, Return Reconciliation, 5050 West Tennessee Street, Building F, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0120.

    To amend an unemployment tax return:

    Form UCT-8A should be completed and mailed to the address shown on the form. The form is available on our web site at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/forms/2007/uct8a.pdf , and it is required to be printed in color. If a color printer is not available, please place an order to request a form be mailed to you. Our online forms' ordering system is available at https://taxapp2.state.fl.us/GTA_forms/index.cfm?fuseaction=order.

  18. I normally file electronically, but I'm unable to. What should I do?

    To report your problem and receive additional instructions, call the Department Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., ET, at 800-352-3671.

  19. If I received a password last year for filing or paying electronically, will I receive a new one this year?

    No. Please continue using the password issued to you.

    NOTE: If you have updated or changed your account information, you may have a new User ID/Password.

  20. Will the filing and payment information I transmit electronically be secure and confidential?

    Yes. Your data will be transferred through a secure network.

  21. How can I get more information about the e-Services program?