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E-file and e-pay state forms and taxes in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced

by Intuit•2• Updated 1 month ago

Learn how to file your state payroll tax forms and pay your state taxes electronically.

Paying your state payroll taxes and filing the necessary state forms on time throughout the year is an essential task.  In QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced, you can pay taxes and file forms electronically for most states. This is the fastest and easiest way to make sure you stay compliant with the state agencies.

Do you use another QuickBooks Desktop Payroll product or need info on federal taxes and forms? 

Step 1: Set up state e-file and e-pay

First, you need to make sure you’re set up to e-file and e-pay your state taxes and forms. 

Step 2: Find the e-file and e-pay method for your state

There are different filing and payment methods depending on your state tax.  Check out the table below to see which method you need to use. 

Step 3: Select your e-file and e-pay method

When you’re ready to e-file and e-pay, select the method for your state tax: E-file and e-pay separately or E-file and e-pay together. 

If you need to file your state forms and pay your state taxes manually, see Pay and file payroll taxes and forms manually in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.

E-file and e-pay separately means there are two different steps in QuickBooks to e-file your state form and e-pay your state tax(es). You don’t have to do them at the same time or in any order. 

E-pay a state tax payment

  1. Select Employees, and select Payroll Center. 
  2. From the Pay Liabilities tab, select the state liability you want to pay. Check the Submit Date column.  You can only make the e-payment on or before the date showing. If it’s after the submit date, you’ll need to pay the tax(es) manually.  
  3. Select the View/Pay button. 
  4. Select the E-pay button.  
  5. If prompted, enter your state login credentials. 
  6. Select Submit. 

You can check the status of your e-payment 1-2 business days after you send it. 

Check out this video on how e-pay your taxes

E-file a state form

  1. Select Employees, then Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s, and then select Process Payroll Forms.
  2. Select the state form you want to file, then select Create Form.
  3. Select the form filing period, then select OK.
  4. Select Next to review all pages. 
  5. Select Check for Errors. QuickBooks will detect and list any errors on the form. You’ll need to fix any before filing. 
  6. When ready, select Submit Form. 
  7. Select E-file.  

Check out this video on how to e-file your tax forms.

E-file and e-pay together means there is one step to file your state forms and pay your state taxes. They are done at the same time. 

Note: You can only make one e-payment per tax per liability period. If you need to make more than one payment in the same liability period, you’ll need to pay it manually directly to the state agency. 

  1. Select Employees, then Payroll Center.
  2. From the Pay Scheduled Liabilities tab, select the tax you want to pay and file.
  3. Select the View/Pay button. 
  4. Select Continue..
  5. Select Next to review all pages of your state form.
  6. Select Check for Errors. QuickBooks will detect and list any errors on the form. You’ll need to fix any before filing.
  7. When you’re ready, select Submit Form. 
  8. Select E-File & E-Pay.
  9. Select the Bank Account for the e-payment.
  10. Select the E-file & E-pay button.
  11. Enter any info required by your state.
  12. Select Submit.
  13. Select Print Confirmation. This is your confirmation Intuit received your form and payment. 

 You can check the status of your e-file and e-payment 1-2 business days after you send it.

QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced