Who May Use Electronic Data Interchange?
Sales Tax, Direct Pay, Motor Fuels, IFTA, Crude Oil and Natural Gas filers may file their taxes using EDI. Taxpayers or their tax preparers must have registered their PIN, sent a test file, and received approval before sending production returns.
Where Do I Start?
Start by downloading the free software for the tax you want to file from EDI web page.
When Do I File?
The system operates 24 hours a day. Electronic filers must comply with established report due dates. Your transmission must be completed by 11:59 P.M. CT on the due date. Any return transmitted after this time will be considered late and appropriate penalties will be assessed. If payment is included with your EDI return, it must be transmitted no later than 2:30 P.M. CT, the last business day before the due date.
What Does Electronic Data Interchange Filing Cost?
It's Free! The Comptroller's Office offers free software to enable you to file EDI returns. You may download the programs from the EDI web page.
Is This a Secure Web Site?
Yes, both the registration and the upload tax file pages are secure. The Comptroller's Office uses Secure Socket Layer 128 bit encryption.
How Do I Register?
The following information is required on the Registration page:
Taxpayer Number
Tax Type
WebFile number (found on your pre-printed report)
Contact Last Name
Contact First Name
Daytime telephone
Email Address
The following information is required on the Create PIN page:
Personal Identification Number (PIN) - A unique PIN must be 8-13 alpha and numeric characters. Special characters are allowed.
Re-enter your PIN for verification.
Create a Reminder Phrase that relates to the PIN you created. This is in case you forget your PIN and need help remembering it.
After successful creation of your PIN, the Registration Confirmation page will display.
You must submit one test return, which will automatically be checked for errors. You will receive a confirmation number and acknowledgment shortly after submitting the file. Once you have been approved, you will be able to send production files.
Where Do I Find My WebFile Number?
The WebFile number consists of 8 alphanumeric characters pre-printed on the return sent to the master mailing address for the taxpayer's account. We use this as part of the security check since it would only be known to the recipient of the return. You must use the tax types's unique WebFile number to register.
IFTA, Sales Tax, Direct Pay, Motor Fuels: The security information is located in the upper left-hand corner of the pre-printed return.
Natural Gas: The security information is on the Oil Field Clean-up Regulatory Fee line of the pre-printed report.
Crude Oil: The security information is located in the lower left-hand corner of the pre-printed report.
How Do I File Business Changes?
You may either make the changes in our software or you may update your account information online from the Comptroller's Web page. Use only one option to make your changes.
Whom Do I Contact For Assistance?
You may call toll free 1-800-531-5441, ext. 3-3630. The toll-free number is available from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.
You may also send an email to EDI.Help@cpa.texas.gov. Emails will be answered as quickly as possible.
What is a PIN?
When registering for the first time the user creates a unique PIN (Personal Identification Number). The PIN must consist of 8 to 13 alpha and numeric characters. Special characters are allowed.
What If I Forget My PIN?
First, try the Reminder Phrase box to see if what was entered reminds you of the PIN. If you still can't remember, you may call the Comptroller's Office toll-free at1-800-531-5441, ext. 3-3630; or you may email us at EDI.Help@cpa.texas.gov to re-set the PIN. For security reasons you must provide us with either your total sales from the last reporting period or the amount paid on your last report. After your PIN is re-set you will be able to continue.
What is the Reminder Phrase?
This phrase is entered along with your PIN at the time you register. This phrase may be useful if you forget your PIN. The phrase should clearly define what the PIN number is, but should not include your PIN.
How Do I Change My PIN?
After you have logged in, use the Navigation link 'Change PIN'.
Can I Process a Partial Payment?
You may make partial payments with your tax return in the Electronic Data Interchange System. A payment amount less than Total Amount Due and Payable will prompt a warning message that states the payment is different from what is due on the report, but the return will process and only the amount you indicated will be debited from your bank account. The remainder must be paid by the due date to avoid penalty and interest.
Which Numbers Are My Bank Routing Number?
Usually these are the first 9 digits in the bottom left-hand corner of your check. If you are unsure, you may want to contact your financial institution.
When Will Funds Transfer From My Account?
The funds will transfer on the settlement date you indicate in the software. The settlement date must be on or before the due date of the return to be considered timely.
What are the Payment Options?
EDI payment: This is an option offered within the 813 transaction set. Using this method meets the TEXNET payment requirement. If you transmit your tax payment with your report, you must complete the transaction before 2:30 P.M. (CT) the last banking day before the due date. Bank information is required to allow a transfer of funds (ACH Debit) to be performed electronically from your financial institution to the State Comptroller. Any payment transmitted after this time will be considered late and appropriate penalties will be assessed.
TEXNET or EFT payment: This option is required for every taxpayer or licensee who paid a total of $100,000 or more in a tax type during the preceding state fiscal year (September 1 through August 31).
WebFile E-Check or Credit Card payment: This option requires you to create a profile to login to our WebFile system. With WebFile, you can file payment only transactions early and post-date the electronic check payments by changing the payment effective date. Webfile file payment only transactions may also be made by credit card. These two payment options are only available if the taxpayer is not required to pay via TEXNET.
Check payment: You may use this option if you are not a mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payor. Use the payment coupon provided in our software to remit your check. Payments must be postmarked on or before the due date for the specified tax. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the next business day will be the due date.