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Franchise Tax
Frequently Asked Questions

Electronic Reporting and Paying Technical Questions

1. What are the computer system requirements to use the smart.pdf and WebFile.pdf submit options?

The currently supported Adobe Acrobat / Adobe Reader versions for the smart.pdf and WebFile.pdf submit options are version 8.1.1 or higher. (Adobe Reader 9 is recommended)

Download Adobe ReaderYou can download the most recent version of Adobe Reader for free. You will need this software to open, complete and print the forms in smart.pdf format.

Below is more detail on specific Adobe requirements for these versions:

Windows
  • Intel® Pentium® III or equivalent processor
  • Microsoft® Windows Vista®; Windows® XP Professional, Home Edition, or Tablet PC Edition with Service Pack 2; Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4; Windows 2003 Server
  • 128MB of RAM (256MB recommended for complex forms or large documents)
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0, Firefox 1.5 or 2.0, Mozilla 1.7, AOL 9 (Firefox and Mozilla may require special configurations).
Macintosh
  • PowerPC® G3, G4, G5 or Intel® processor
  • Mac OS X v10.4.3 to v10.4.9, v10.5.0 and v10.5.1
  • 128MB of RAM (256MB recommended for complex forms or large documents)
  • 170MB of available hard-disk space
  • Safari 2.0.2
Linux
  • 32-bit Intel® Pentium® processor or equivalent
  • LSB (Linux Standard Base) 3.1 compliant systems including Red Hat Linux WS 5, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) 10 and Ubuntu 6.10
  • GNOME or KDE Desktop Environment
  • 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
  • 125 MB of available hard disk space (additional 75 MB required for having all supported font packs)
  • GTK+ (GIMP Toolkit) user interface library, version 2.6 or higher
  • Firefox 1.5 or higher; Mozilla 1.7.3 or higher
Solaris
  • UltraSPARC® or UltraSPARC IIIi® processor
  • Solaris 9 or 10
  • GNOME or KDE Desktop Environment (GNOME only for Solaris 10)
  • 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
  • 175 MB of available hard disk space (additional 75 MB required for having all supported font packs)
  • GNU C library (glibc) version 2.3 or higher
  • GTK+ (GIMP Toolkit) user interface library, version 2.6 or higher (On Solaris 10, works with GTK 2.4.9 also)
  • Firefox 1.5 or higher; Mozilla 1.7.3 or higher
  • OpenGL library
  • OpenSSL 0.9.7, OpenLDAP, and CUPS libraries
  • libstdc++ library
For additional information about the Adobe Reader, also see Texas Franchise Tax and Adobe Reader Frequently Asked Questions. (Updated 5/12/10)
2. Is the Comptroller's WebFile system secure?
The Comptroller's WebFile system has built-in protections to safeguard the confidentiality and security of taxpayer information. First-time users will be asked for specific information to confirm they are the taxpayer or an agent authorized to file returns for the account. (Updated 4/14/08)
3. What is my WebFile number and where do I find it?
Your WebFile number is your initial "access code" to WebFile issued by the Comptroller's office. It is printed in the upper right corner of the notification letter we mail to each taxable entity about six weeks before the due date of the next report. We also print the WebFile number in the top left corner of each franchise tax delinquent notice.

The WebFile number begins with the letters XT and is followed by six numbers. If you cannot find your notification letter or delinquent notice, you can contact us at (800) 442-3453 to request a duplicate letter. We also can provide your WebFile number over the phone. You will need to provide identifying information, such as past gross receipts or total revenue, or the last payment amount that is greater than zero, before we can release this confidential information.

You will only use your WebFile number once. When you use WebFile for the first time, you will establish a password for future access to WebFile.

We can only provide five WebFile numbers at a time by phone. Taxpayers who request more than five at a time should send an email to WebFileHelp@cpa.state.tx.us. You will need to provide identifying information, such as past gross receipts or total revenue, or the last payment amount that is greater than zero, before we can release this confidential information. (Updated 05/12/10)

4. Why is my WebFile account suspended?
If several attempts are made to access your WebFile account with an invalid password, the system will suspend your account for security reasons. To reset your password, choose the "Reset Password" button. You will need to answer the security question established when the password was created. After entering the security information you will have the option to change the password and security question.

If you are unable to complete this process, contact us at (800) 442-3453. You can also e-mail us at WebFileHelp@cpa.state.tx.us. You will need to provide identifying information, such as past gross receipts or total revenue, the last payment amount that is greater than zero, or your WebFile number, before we can release this confidential information. (Updated 05/12/10)

5. Why am I being asked for a password when I have never used WebFile? Where do I go to create a password?
The password is created the first time a representative from the entity logs in to WebFile. If you are being asked for a password, then a password has already been established for the entity. You can choose "Forgot Password" and reset the password by answering the security question. If you do not know the answer to the security question, contact us at (800) 442-3453 or send an email to WebFileHelp@cpa.state.tx.us and we can reset your password. You will need to provide identifying information, such as past gross receipts or total revenue, the last payment amount that is greater than zero, or your WebFile number, before we can release this confidential information. (Updated 05/12/10)
6. What if I forgot my WebFile password?
On the "Enter Password" screen in WebFile, choose "Forgot Password" and reset the password by answering the security question. After entering the security information, you will have the option to reset your password. If you do not know the answer to the security question, contact us at (800) 442-3453 or send an email to WebFileHelp@cpa.state.tx.us and we can reset your password. You will need to provide identifying information, such as past gross receipts or total revenue, the last payment amount that is greater than zero, or your WebFile number, before we can release this confidential information. (Updated 05/12/10)
7. Who must pay electronically?
  • Taxpayers who paid $10,000 or more in a payment category during the preceding state fiscal year are required by law to electronically transmit payments to the Comptroller's office beginning May 1, 2008.
  • Taxpayers who paid $100,000 or more for a specific tax type during the preceding state fiscal year must make their electronic payments via TEXNET.
  • Taxpayers who paid $10,000 or more, but less than $100,000 for a specific tax type during the preceding state fiscal year, can make their electronic payments by credit card or WebEFT via WebFile when filing their report electronically. They can also pay electronically via the Internet or telephone if they enroll in TEXNET.
  • Taxpayers who do not comply with the electronic funds transfer (EFT) requirements can be assessed a 5 percent penalty on the payment amount. This penalty can apply to each filing period in which payment is not remitted electronically.
  • The Texas state fiscal year is from September 1 through August 31.
(Updated 5/30/08)
8. What if I am mandated to pay electronically but I am unable to do so?
If you are unable to make an electronic payment (using TEXNET, WebEFT or credit card) you may request a temporary waiver by faxing the waiver request to the Electronic Reporting Section at (512) 936-0008 or by mail at P.O. Box 13528, Austin, TX 78711. (Updated 05/12/10)
9. Which credit cards do you accept?
Payment by credit card is offered for your convenience. You can pay with American Express, Discover or MasterCard unless you are required to make your payment using TEXNET. There is a non-refundable online portal processing fee that will be included in the credit card transaction. Note: WebFile only allows you to pay by credit card if you are filing your return and making the payment at the same time. (Updated 05/12/10)
10. I am filing franchise tax reports on behalf of several clients/taxpayers. Can I log in with one WebFile number and file for multiple clients?
No. For security and authentication purposes, you must use the WebFile number specific to each client. However, once you have initially logged in for each client, you will be able to create a password for future access to this account. You can choose to make that password the same for all your clients.
11. Do I need my WebFile number each time I log-in to the WebFile system?
You only need your WebFile number for initial access to the WebFile system. Once you have signed in the first time, you will be prompted to create a password. You will need this password to access the system each time you electronically report your franchise tax. (Updated 05/12/10)
12. Why do I get the error message: Accounting Year End Date Invalid: It cannot be later than 01/04/09?
For an annual report, the accounting period end date must be the last accounting period ending date for federal income tax purposes in the year before the year the report is originally due. WebFile allows an accounting year end date of January 4 of the report year to accommodate entities using 52-53 week accounting rules. (added 04/27/09)
13. How do I sign my electronic report when I submit my return?
If filing the report electronically, no signature is required. Electronic submission is considered a signed document. If you filed electronically, please do not sign and/or mail the printed copy. (added 04/27/09)
14. I submitted my report electronically, but was not asked to make a payment. How do I make the payment?
If you owe tax, WebFile will automatically prompt you to make a payment. An entity that calculates an amount of tax due that is less than $1,000 or that has annualized total revenue less than the no-tax-due threshold, is not required to pay any tax. (added 04/27/09)
15. How do I change the 1.0% tax rate to the 0.5% tax rate on my electronic report?
The tax rate will automatically be determined based on the SIC code and the answers you provide for the three questions presented to entities entering a qualifying SIC code. The 0.5% tax rate is for taxable entities primarily engaged in wholesale or retail trade as described in Division F and Division G of the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual. See our FAQs on Reports and Payments for more information about the tax rate and qualifying SIC codes. (added 04/27/09)
16. Do I have to mail in a paper copy of my franchise tax report if I submitted the report electronically?
No, do not mail a paper copy of your report or copies of your federal income tax reports. (added 04/27/09)
17. Can I make a payment electronically in WebFile if I am not filing a report at the same time?
No, currently there is no option to make a payment via WebFile if you are not filing a report. If you are enrolled in TexNet, you can make a payment even if you are not filing a report. (Updated 05/12/10)
18. How do I amend an electronic franchise tax report?
Make the appropriate changes on a printed form, write Amended at the top of each page and mail the report with a written explanation of the reason you are amending. (added 04/27/09)
19. Can I file my first and second extensions online?
You can use WebFile to request both extensions online. You will be prompted to make a payment when you type an amount for the “Extension Payment” on line three. If using TEXNET, code the payment as an extension. Entities filing combined reports should not include the affiliate list with the second extension request. (added 04/27/09)
20. What if I did not receive my confirmation page?
Try logging back into WebFile to see if the period you are trying to file is available. If it is not available, the report was successfully filed. You can send an email to WebFileHelp@cpa.state.tx.us if you would like a confirmation number. (updated 05/12/10)
21. What if I've forgotten my TEXNET password or access information?
If you have a TEXNET account and you've forgotten your password, choose the "Forgot Password" button on the login screen and follow the instructions.

If you have forgotten the TEXNET login information (identification, location and password), call the TEXNET hotline at (800) 531-5441, ext. 3-3010. You will need the last four digits of the bank account number we have on file for security purposes. (added 05/11/10)

22. What if I've missed my TEXNET payment deadline and I want to wire my payment on the due date?
The following procedure applies ONLY to TEXNET enrollees who missed a TEXNET payment deadline (ACH debit or ACH credit with addenda), and want to send a wire transfer on the due date to ensure a timely payment.

Log into TEXNET to make your payment. The system will notify you that the payment will be subject to penalty. Choose "Cancel - I want to cancel this electronic debit transaction and send same day wire". This notifies TEXNET you intend to wire your payment and where the payment should be applied.

Instruct your financial institution to wire transfer your payment to:
Bank name: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Routing #: 114900164 Account name: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Account #: 883083001 The Comptroller of Public Accounts is the receiving bank and is located in Austin, Texas.

You must include your 11-digit Comptroller taxpayer identification number in the wire, as well as company name, contact person and/or phone number.

If you are unable to log into TEXNET, call the TEXNET hotline at (800) 531-5441, ext. 3-3010, to report the payment information. (added 05/11/10)

23. How do I know what version of Adobe I have?
If you are unsure whether you have the latest version of Adobe Reader, click on the "Help" menu option and then "About Adobe Reader" to confirm that you are using the latest version of the free Adobe Reader. The currently supported Adobe Acrobat / Adobe Reader versions for the Smart.pdf and WebFile.pdf submit options are version 8.1.1 or higher (Reader 9.1 is preferred). You can download the most recent version of Adobe Reader for free. After you install Adobe Reader please open the Reader to verify you have completed the process (accept any registration, license agreements, etc.) (updated 05/12/10)
24. How do I open my report within a web browser?

In order to access your PDF, it must be opened from within a web browser.

Start your web browser and follow the instructions below.

Internet Explorer -
  1. Click on File
  2. Click on Open
  3. Click the Browse Button
  4. Make sure to change "Files of Type" to "All Files"
  5. Locate your PDF Report
  6. Double Click the Report
  7. PDF Report is now displayed in a Web Browser.
Safari -
  1. Confirm Menu Bar is added . If the menu bar is added move on the next steps
  2. Click on Open File (Not Open Location - Open location used for opening URLs)
  3. Change "File of Types"
  4. Locate your PDF
  5. Double Click PDF
  6. PDF Report is now displayed.
Firefox - (May require special configurations)
  1. Click on File
  2. Click on Open File
  3. Click the Browse Button
  4. Make sure to change "Files of Type" to "All Files"
  5. Locate your PDF Report
  6. Double Click the Report
  7. PDF Report is now displayed in a Web Browser.
Opera -
  1. Click on File
  2. Click on Open
  3. Click the Browse Button
  4. Make sure to change "Files of Type" to "All Files"
  5. Locate your PDF Report
  6. Double Click the Report
  7. PDF Report is now displayed in a Web Browser.
(updated 05/12/10)
25. Can I use WebFile if I have Professional or Standard Adobe Acrobat, instead of Adobe Reader?
If you have Adobe Acrobat 8 or higher, you should be able to use WebFile or Smart PDF. We recommend updating your version of Professional or Standard rather than installing Adobe Reader.

If updating your Professional or Standard version is not possible, you can download and install the free Adobe Reader.

Exit all Web browser windows and wait at least 30 seconds.

  1. Open Adobe Reader.
  2. Minimize Adobe Reader (do not close it with the "X" at the top right hand corner).
  3. Open your Web browser.
  4. Return to the Texas Franchise Tax Forms or WebFile page and begin again.
(updated 05/12/10)
26. Why am I prompted to install Reader 8.1.1 or higher, or a blank form downloads, when I already have the required version?
  • Be sure you completely downloaded and installed the latest version of Adobe Reader. This includes opening Adobe Reader to accept any registration, license agreements, etc. If you are not sure what version you have, see question 1.
  • You may have trouble viewing the PDF documents if you have multiple, or older, versions of Adobe Acrobat / Reader.
(updated 05/12/10)
27. Why do I get the error message "This document contained certain rights to enable special features in Adobe Reader. The document has been changed since it was created and these rights are no longer valid. Please contact the author for the original version of this document"?
  • Confirm the date and time settings on your personal computer are correct.
  • The file may have been created with the latest version of Adobe Reader, then revised or saved with an older version of Adobe. Be certain you are using the latest version of Adobe each time you open the file. You will need to begin a new report.
(updated 05/12/10)
28. Why do I get the error message, "This file is damaged and cannot be repaired"?
The file may have been created with the latest version of Adobe Reader, then revised or saved with an older version of Adobe. Be certain you are using the latest version of Adobe each time you open the file. You will need to begin a new report. (updated 05/12/10)
29. Why does the form only partially download, or is missing the print button?
This is a problem with some older versions of Adobe. We support Adobe Reader 8.1.1 or higher, but Adobe Reader 9.1 is preferred. See question 1 for instructions to verify and download the latest version. (updated 05/12/10)
30. Why can't I use the filing date drop down menu in WebFile?
This may be an issue with your Internet browser. Acceptable browser are Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0, Firefox 1.5 or 2.0, Mozilla 1.7, AOL 9 for Windows and Safari for Macintosh. (Firefox and Mozilla may require special configurations) (updated 05/12/10)
31. What if I have tried all these steps and still can't open the reports?
You can use the 'simple' PDFs forms found on the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Texas Franchise Tax Report Forms - Simple PDF Format Web site. These forms will need to be mailed to our office with your payment. (updated 05/12/10)
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