At the request of the state Department of Revenue, NFIB is helping spread the word to its members and other small-business owners who file their excise taxes annually that starting with your 2020 return, due by April 15, 2021, you are now required to file and pay electronically.

According to the department, “Businesses are encouraged to visit dor.wa.gov/MySecureDOR for helpful information on setting up their My DOR account and electronic filing.

“Creating an account well in advance of the filing due date will ensure they are able to file their return on time. Tax returns can be filed early and payments can be scheduled to pull on the due date.

“Businesses unable to file and pay electronically may be granted a waiver. Written requests with an explanation must be sent to:

Electronic Filing and Payment Team
Department of Revenue
PO Box 47476
Olympia, WA 98504-7476

“Electronic filing in My DOR offers many benefits, including:

• 24/7 secure access.
• Automatic calculations.
• Current rates.
• Error checking.
• Immediate confirmation of receipt.
• Ability to file early and schedule payment for the due date (for payments over $50).

“Electronic filing is more efficient and accurate. Businesses that file and pay electronically have less reporting errors than those that file by paper. In addition, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for state agencies to reduce costs wherever possible to combat a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. Revenue has identified discontinuing paper returns (and the associated costs in printing, mailing, and manually processing them) as a significant budget savings.”

For any questions, the department offered this number, 360-705-6705.