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Tax returns

​File

File an excise tax return
 

Watch a video: How to file an excise tax return

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Accessing a tax return

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Excise Tax Return panel, click the File Return link. If you have more than one return to file, the Excise Tax Outstanding Returns panel will display, click View Returns and click File Return next to the return you want to file.

​Select Taxes

  • If you have no business activity to report in this filing period, select Report No Business. Click Next.
  • If you want to upload a file, select Upload a File. Instructions how to upload data files.
  • Review and select tax classifications. If you want to add or delete any previously selected tax classifications, click the Add/Delete Tax Classifications button. More information on tax classifications for common business activities. Click Next.

​Business & Occupation

  1. For each tax classification, enter your gross sales in the Gross Amount field.
  • If you have deductions, click the Add Deduction button. Select the deduction type and enter the amount. Click OK.
  • If your business qualifies for the Small Business Credit, it will automatically calculate based on the value entered for the Gross Amount.
  • If you have additional credits, click the Add/Delete Credits button. Select the credit type and enter the amount. Click OK.
  1. Once all income, deductions, and credits are entered click Next.

​State Sales and Use

  1. The Retail Sales Gross Amount and applicable deductions have carried forward from the Business & Occupation page.
  • If you have additional deductions, click the Add Deduction button. Select the deduction type and enter the amount. Click OK.
  1. If applicable, enter the gross amount subject to Use Tax in the Gross Amount field.
  • If you have Sales and Use Credits, click the Add/Delete Credits button. Select the credit type and enter the amount. Click Ok.
  1. Once all income, deductions, and credits are entered, click Next.

​Local Sales

  1. Click the Add Locations button to add local city or county sales tax jurisdictions. You can either type in the name of the jurisdiction or the location code to filter and select a location. If you need to add more than one location, click in the blank row below the last added location. Once all locations are added, click OK.
  2. Once you have your locations listed, enter your retail sales Taxable Amount for each location. The total Local Sales Taxable Amount must equal the total Retail Sales Taxable Amount.
  3. Click Next.

​Local Use

  1. Click the Add Locations button to add local city or county use tax jurisdictions. You can either type in the name of the jurisdiction or the location code to filter and select a location. If you need to add more than one location, click in the blank row below the last added location. Once all locations are added, click OK.
  2. Once you have your locations listed, enter your use tax Taxable Amount for each location. The total Local Use Tax Taxable Amount must equal the total Use Tax Taxable Amount.
  3. Click Next.

​Other Taxes

  1. Enter the gross amount for each tax classification in the Gross Amount field.
  2. Click the Next button.

​Summary

  1. Review the return information entered. If you want to edit any information, use the applicable link to review a specific page of the return.
  2. Enter the Prepared By, Phone Number, and E-Mail Address information.
  3. Click Next.

Return Totals

If you filed your return late, you will see the Return Totals page.

  1. Review the information.
  2. To request a penalty waiver, first click the Request Penalty Waiver checkbox. Then, select if you would like to be considered for a 24 month waiver by clicking Yes or No. A 24 month waiver can only be granted once every two years. Select No to have your request reviewed if the reason is due to extenuating circumstances. Please note that if you select No and do not qualify for a penalty waiver due to extenuating circumstances, you will then be considered for a 24 month waiver. Next, select if you will pay the penalty amount by clicking Yes or No. Then, provide an explanation in the Penalty Waiver Explanation field.
  3. Click Next.

​Select a payment type

  1. Select the payment type you wish to use and follow the prompts. More information on payment options.
  • Bank Account (ACH Debit) will deduct the payment from the bank account you select on the next page.
  • Credit or Debit card will charge the card you provide on the next page. A 3.25% processing fee is charged by a third party vendor for this service. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
  • Contact your bank to initiate payment (ACH Credit). Learn more.
  • No Payment will allow you to submit the return without making a payment.
  1. Click the Next button.

​Final Review

Verify the information on the Final Review page, then click Submit.

Confirmation

You can print the Confirmation page by clicking Print Confirmation. To print a copy of the return, click Print Submission. If you have a credit, you can add or update an electronic refund bank account by clicking Add/Update Electronic Refund Account. Then click Ok.

File a return with no business activity
 

If you do not have business activities during your filing period, you must still file your return by the due date using one of the following options:

  • Express file online at dor.wa.gov/expressfilenobiz. No login required. See steps below.
  • E-file a “no business” return using our online tax filing system, My DOR.
  • Call our automated system 24/7 at 360-705-6705. After the greeting, enter 1 at each prompt, your 9-digit tax Account ID/UBI number, and then follow the instructions.

Express file

  1. On dor.wa.gov/expressfilenobiz, enter your Account ID number and click Next.
  2. On the File a No Business Return page, select your assigned filing frequency and the filing period you need to file the No Business Return for.
  3. Confirm this business has no activity to report.
  4. Enter the Prepared by and Phone Number information, then click Submit. A Confirmation window displays, enter and confirm your Email.
  5. Complete the Security Validation section by checking the box next to I’m not a robot. You may be asked to complete a validation challenge.
  6. Click Ok.
  7. On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation by clicking Print Confirmation. Click Ok.

e-file in My DOR

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Excise Tax Return panel, click the File Return link.
  5. On the Select Taxes page, select Report No Business.
  6. Click Next.
  7. The Summary page displays return totals of $0.00. Enter the Prepared by, Phone Number, and E-Mail Address information and click Submit. If you are filing your return late, click Next and then click Submit on the Return Totals page.
  8. On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation by clicking Print Confirmation. To print a copy of the return, click Print Submission.
  9. Click Ok.
File a saved (draft) excise tax return
 

If you saved a draft of a return, you can come back and file it at a later time.

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Excise Tax Return panel, click the Edit Return link.
  • If you do not see your draft, click the More Options tab. In the Payments, Returns and Submissions section click View, Edit, or Print Drafts or Submissions. In the Draft tab, click the Title link for the draft submission. Click Continue Editing.
  1. The return is now available for you to walk through and make changes. Follow the steps in the File an Excise Tax Return section for help completing the return.
  • To add or delete tax classifications, click the Add/Delete Tax Classifications button on the Select Taxes page. Each page of the saved return will be available for you to update (unless you delete classifications, then that page will be deleted from your online return).
  • To update amounts, you can type over the original amounts in the return. Advance through the pages of your return by clicking the Next button.
  • To request a penalty waiver, first click the Request Penalty Waiver checkbox. Then, select if you would like to be considered for a 24 month waiver by clicking Yes or No. A 24 month waiver can only be granted once every two years. Select No to have your request reviewed if the reason is due to extenuating circumstances. Please note that if you select No and do not qualify for a penalty waiver due to extenuating circumstances, you will then be considered for a 24 month waiver. Next, select if you will pay the penalty amount by clicking Yes or No. Then, provide an explanation in the Penalty Waiver Explanation field.

Amend and extend

Amend an excise tax return
 
  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Excise Tax Account panel, click the View Periods and Amend Returns link.
  5. Click the Period link you want to amend. The summary of the period displays.
  6. Click the File, View, or Amend a Return link. The summary of the return displays.
  7. Click the Amend link.
  8. The return is now available for you to walk through and make changes.
  • To add or delete tax classifications, click the Add/Delete Tax Classifications button on the Select Taxes page. Each page of the original return will be available for you to update (unless you delete classifications, then that page will be deleted from your online return).
  • To update amounts, you can type over the original amounts in the return. Advance through the pages of your return by clicking the Next button.
  1. Review the information on the Summary page. Enter the Prepared by, Phone Number, and E-Mail Address information. If you want to edit any information, click the link above the Summary page title to review that page of the return.
  2. Enter a brief explanation of the reason for the amendment.
  • If you are amending down and the amendment results in a credit the Additional Info and Attachments sections will display, where you can upload documentation to support your request. To upload a file click Upload Attachment, then click Choose File, select the file, and click OK.
  • If you are amending your return after the due date, click Next and continue to step 11, otherwise, click Submit and continue to step 12.
  1. Review the information on the Return Totals page. To request a penalty waiver, first click the Request Penalty Waiver checkbox. Then, select if you would like to be considered for a 24 month waiver by clicking Yes or No. A 24 month waiver can only be granted once every two years. Select No to have your request reviewed if the reason is due to extenuating circumstances. Please note that if you select No and do not qualify for a penalty waiver due to extenuating circumstances, you will then be considered for a 24 month waiver. Next, select if you will pay the penalty amount by clicking Yes or No. Then, provide an explanation in the Penalty Waiver Explanation field. Then, click the Next or Submit button. If there is an additional amount due on the amended return, you’ll see the Next button. If you have no additional amount due or a credit, you’ll see the Submit button.
  2. If there is an additional amount due on the amended return, you’ll be guided through the payment process. If you have no additional amount due or a credit, the Confirmation page displays. Print a copy of this page by clicking Print Confirmation. To print a copy of the return, click Print Submission. If you have a credit, you can add or update an electronic refund bank account by clicking Add/Update Electronic Refund Account.
  3. Click the OK button.
Request an excise tax return filing extension
 

An extension may be granted if requested before the due date of the return for which the extension is granted. If the due date has passed, a penalty waiver must be requested instead. You must be a tax account administrator to request an extension. Learn more.

  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Excise Tax Return panel, click the Request a Return Extension link.
  • If the link does not display, the return is not eligible for an extension.
  1. Select an Extension Reason, then click Submit.
  2. On the Confirmation page, click Ok.

Print

View or print a copy of a return
 
  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the applicable Account panel, click the View Periods and Amend Returns link.
  5. Click the Returns tab.
  6. Click the View or Amend Return link next to the return you want to view or print a copy of.
  7. The summary of the return displays. Click Print to print a copy of the return.
View/print a copy of a Consumer Sales Tax Refund Application
 
  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. Click the Manage My Profile link located after the Welcome, (your name) message in the top right.
  5. In the Drafts and Submissions panel, click the Search Submissions link.
  6. Click the Refund Application link for the application you want to view or print a copy. 
  7. The Refund Application displays. Click Print to print a copy of the Refund Application.

A new browser will open and display the Refund Application. Use the browser menu to print or download a .PDF file of the Refund Application.

Forest and Leasehold

File a forest tax return
 
  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Forest Tax Return panel, click the File Return link.
  5. Click the File link and complete the return details, for each permit listed.
    • Select "Report No Harvest" if applicable, and click Next.
    • If you need to add an unlisted permit, click the Add an unlisted permit button.
  6. On the Summary page, enter the Prepared by, Submitter Phone Number, and E-Mail Address information. Click Next.
  7. Select the payment type you wish to use and follow the prompts. More information on payment options.
  • Bank Account (ACH Debit) will deduct the payment from the bank account you select on the next page.
  • Credit or Debit Card will charge the card you provide on the next page. A 3.25% processing fee is charged by a third party vendor for this service. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
  • Contact your bank to initiate payment (ACH Credit). Learn more.
  • Mail a Check will allow you to submit the return and pay by check. Click the Print Voucher button on the Confirmation page, print the voucher, and mail the voucher with your check.
  • No Payment will allow you to submit the return without making a payment.
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Verify the information on the Final Review page, then click Submit.
  3. You can print the Confirmation page by clicking Print Confirmation. To print a copy of the return, click Printable View. If you have a credit, you can add or update an electronic refund bank account by clicking Add/Update Electronic Refund Account. Then click Ok.

 

File a leasehold tax return
 
  1. On dor.wa.gov click the Log in button.
  2. Log in by entering your SAW User ID and Password, then click Log in to My DOR. If asked, complete the Multi-Factor Authentication challenge to verify your identity.
  3. On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started.
  4. In the Leasehold Return panel, click the File Return link.
  5. On the Expectations tab, select the lease type(s) you need to file for and click Next.
  6. Follow the prompts to complete the return.
  7. On the Summary page, enter the Prepared by, Phone Number, and E-Mail Address information. Click Next.
  8. Select the payment type you wish to use and follow the prompts. More information on payment options.
  • Bank Account (ACH Debit) will deduct the payment from the bank account you select on the next page.
  • Credit or Debit Card will charge the card you provide on the next page. A 3.25% processing fee is charged by a third party vendor for this service. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
  • Contact your bank to initiate payment (ACH Credit). Learn more.
  • Mail a Check will allow you to submit the return and pay by check. Click the Print Voucher button on the Confirmation page, print the voucher, and mail the voucher with your check
  • No Payment will allow you to submit the return without making a payment. Penalty and interest may apply if the payment is not received by the due date.
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Verify the information on the Final Review page, then click Submit.
  3. You can print the Confirmation page by clicking Print Confirmation. To print a copy of the return, click Print Submission. If you have a credit, you can add or update an electronic refund bank account by clicking Add/Update Electronic Refund Account. Then click Ok.