Bulk Filing FAQs
Table of Contents
When will a Bulk file link/instruction be available on the portal?
- December 8th
Is the Bulk e-File mandated?
- No
Can single filers upload this same file via the portal?
- No, only filers that have been approved as bulk filers. Single filers are expected to use the standard File Return link.
Can this format be hand-keyed by a single employer?
- This is not the intention. A single employer is expected to use the standard File Return link.
Will the FEIN still be accepted as the MBT Account ID?
- The bulk file service expects both an entity-level ID (such as FEIN) and a tax type-level ID (such as an MBT TID or Account ID).
If there is no data, should the field be blank or filled?
- For numeric and Boolean values, zeros are expected. For strings and dates, spaces may be used for the length of the field.
Do the fields that include wages/money include an implied decimal?
- Yes, the final two places will be considered decimal places for currency amounts.
Total Due and Amount Due should equal the EFT Credit amount, correct?
- The amount paid does not need to match the amount due. However, any unpaid balances will be billed to the employer and interest will be accrued if the balance is not paid in full by the due date.
Billing information is the Employer information, correct?
- The billing information is the payer’s information. For example, if a tax preparer has received individual payments from each employer, the billing and payment information would be the employer’s information. If instead the preparer is paying on behalf of their clients, the billing and payment information would be the preparer’s.
How can additional ADP Users be added to the profile?
- New logons can be created and request access to the bulk filer (in this case ADP). Once access is granted, the logons would be able to submit the bulk file request.
Will vendor users be able to see their clients? How do clients identify vendors as their TPA via the portal or will they need to?
- They will not need to. An approved bulk filer (vendor/TPA) can submit returns for any client they have identification for. The clients, if they log in to the portal themselves would be able to see the returns that were filed on their behalf.
How should the Healthcare Deductions and Commerce Tax Credits be entered (as a positive or negative)? If negative, will it be – or ( )?
- Please use a minus sign (-).
If a TID is rejected, will the complete file be rejected? Or will just the Employer reject?
- Yes, all included IDs must be valid.
Are the errors immediately returned/displayed upon file upload?
- Yes, errors are displayed immediately and will not allow submission until corrected.
Can more than one file be uploaded per day?
- Yes, there is no limit on the number of files submitted per day.
Is a transmittal form required to be included with a check payment? If so, what should the format be? Or is credit and/or debit being mandated?
- No separate form will be required. Payments through bulk file are ACH only and optional. Bank information is gathered per return line on the file.
Can late originals be remitted via this new portal? Or should these remain paper/hard copy?
- Yes, late originals and amendments will be accepted. Ensure the Amendment flag is provided as a 1 if the return is an amendment.
Is there an environment that the e-File can be tested prior to moving into production? Or can we send the file to you for testing?
- There is not a separate environment at this time, however you can provide a file to us for testing.
Is this only for Modified Business Tax? Can Mining and Financial Institutions returns be uploaded in bulk?
- The bulk filing service supports all MBT forms (General Business, Mining, and Financial).
Is there a specific file naming scheme?
- There’s no specific naming scheme; the file can be named anything.
Should the file be a .txt formatted file?
- Yes, the file will have to be a .txt file, it shouldn’t allow them to upload any other type of file.
Note: FAQs are for general guidance only. For written advice as it relates to your business, request an advisory opinion from the Department.