Time needed: 45 minutes
I’m assuming that you are are a current QuickBooks Online Subscriber and that you’ve set up your business with the correct address for your main office. Also, you should be on accrual basis if you want to take advantage of Intuit’s automatic filing service. If you’re not, or you’re not sure, contact us for help getting started with QuickBooks Online.
- Log in to QuickBooks Online
Log in to QuickBooks Online either in the app or at the main URL: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
- Select the new tax center if you have the option
If you have a QBO company that was started more than a few months ago, you may get a screen asking you to switch to the new tax center. If you have already been actively using the old tax center, talk to us or your accountant before converting, as you need to be sure you’re ready to make the switch. Otherwise, go ahead and select “make the switch.”
- Confirm your address
You’ll be prompted to confirm that your address is correct and current. Click the pencil if you need to update it. Otherwise click “Looks good.”
- Match up your agencies
Here’s where you enter the correct tax agencies and your filing frequency. You will likely have to select “New Agency” for some of the tax authorities. Note that with our own business the selected drop-downs were not correct for our current address. This is because our business address has moved from one city to another since we set up QBO.
If you’re not positive about this data, check with your accountant.
- File periodically
In this example I selected “file monthly” for the example (we actually have no taxable sales, as we’re a service business). You will see these screens when you return to the tax center, and they’ll tell you your due dates to file.
- View Returns
When you select “view return” for each entity you file with, you’ll get further instructions. When you click “select filing method” note that you’ll be directed to file manually if your business is on a cash basis. QBO only allows for automatic filing if you’re on an accrual basis.
