What do I need to enroll in AutoFile for Iowa?

To enroll in AutoFile for Iowa, you'll need the details listed below:

Iowa AutoFile Enrollment FAQ

What's my State Registered Business Name?
  • This is the business name you provided to the state when you registered for your sales tax license.
  • It should be listed on your sales tax registration paperwork. This will also be visible in your GovConnectIowa account.
What's my IA Account Type?
  • This is where you indicate whether you've registered for a sales tax license or a retail use tax license.
  • If you are unsure of your account type, contact the Iowa DOR at 800-367-3388.

What's my IA State Tax Permit Number?

  • This is the 9 digit state certificate or registration ID that state gave you when you registered for your sales tax license.
  • It should be entered in the Iowa AutoFile enrollment form without any dashes.

What's my Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) Number? 

  • The IDR Number is an identifier issued to newer accounts by the Iowa Department of Revenue.
  • This IDR will be 10-digits and can be found on your registration paperwork.
  • The IDR is the newer version of the older BEN ID type.

What's my Iowa Access Approval Code?

  • When you first submit your enrollment form, TaxJar will request 3rd party access to your account. The state will then send you an Access Approval Code by mail. 
  • We have more detail about this here. 
Is there anything else I need to know?
  • If your Iowa sales tax account is very new, it can be difficult to identify your filing frequency. 
  • To speed up your enrollment, please verify this information prior to submitting your enrollment form.
    • Payments made using the new GovConnectIowa site may show a $0 draft made to your payment account. This is a test draft made by the state and will apply to the first payment, only. Depending on your bank, the full return amount should be debited by the Iowa Department of Revenue within a week.
What's my  State Assigned Payment Schedule?
  • This is the filing frequency assigned to you by the Iowa State Tax Commission.
  • If you're not absolutely certain of this detail for your account, you can contact the state and ask them to confirm this detail for you. (We list contact details for the state, here.)
What's my  First Filing Period?
  • Pending successful verification, the period listed here is the estimated first filing period TaxJar will file.
  • The First Filing period is based on the date the enrollment form is saved  and the payment schedule.
Is there anything else I need to know?
  • The earlier you begin the AutoFile enrollment process for Iowa, the better!
  • TaxJar won't be able to AutoFile your Iowa returns until you provide 3rd party access to your GovConnectIowa account. This process involves waiting for the Iowa Department of Revenue to mail you a letter containing a special code, which you'll need to provide to us in order to grant 3rd party access.
  • Learn more about this here. 

Related Articles