search the help desk | find articles | submit a request
TNTAP Frequently Asked Questions
General TNTAP How-to Videos
- ★ Creating a TNTAP logon
- ★ TNTAP: Filing a Sales Tax Return
- ★ TNTAP: Filing a Business Tax Return
- Logging into TNTAP
- What can I do on TNTAP?
- Navigating in the TNTAP Home Screen
About TNTAP
- How do I close a location in TNTAP?
- Can I cancel or delete a payment in TNTAP?
- How do I retrieve a saved request in TNTAP?
- How do I block or allow pop ups when using TNTAP?
- What do the letters mean after my account number?
- What is a location ID?
TNTAP Login
- ★ What is an authentication code?
- Using One of Last Three Payments: Business Tax and TNTAP
- What information do I need to create a TNTAP login or gain access to an account in TNTAP?
- What are login IDs?
- What if I forget my TNTAP username?
- What if I forget my TNTAP password?
TNTAP Registration
- What is a consolidated tax account?
- Can I save my bank account information in TNTAP accounts?
- Can I register a new location through TNTAP?
- How do I close a location in TNTAP
- I’m trying to register for TNTAP and I get the error “The ID, ID Type, or Name you have entered does not match our records.” What should I do?
- I’m a CPA or tax preparer. Can I register as my client, the taxpayer, in TNTAP?
TNTAP Payments
- How do I make an estimated payment in TNTAP?
- Can I cancel or delete a payment in TNTAP?
- Why do I see an unpaid balance in TNTAP?
- I live outside of the United States. How can I make a tax payment to the Department of Revenue through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point?
- How do I print a payment receipt in TNTAP?
- In TNTAP, how can I tell that my payment has been received or posted?
TNTAP Tax Returns
- Can I change a return in TNTAP?
- Can I cancel a return in TNTAP?
- My company has multiple locations, but I want to file for only one location. How can I do this in TNTAP?
- What is an XML file?
- Will my sales tax filing frequency change in TNTAP?
- How do I file a return in TNTAP?
How-to Videos: Licensed Distributor Reports
- Uploading a Large LDR File and Error Correction
- Registration
- How do I identify a manufacturer in an LDR file?
- Navigation
- Updating Your Profile
- Filing a Licensed Distributor Report "Zero Filer" Using the TNTAP Portal
Vehicle Title & Registration
Rebuilt Vehicles
HOV Smart Pass
- What do people do if they lose their Smart Pass sticker?
- Why do hybrids qualify for the Smart Pass decal and not other low-emission vehicles?
- Do I have the option to only carry the Smart Pass sticker in my car and show it to law enforcement if pulled over?
- Can I transfer the Smart Pass sticker to a new car if it is a hybrid?
- How is the Smart Pass decal enforced?
- What is the cost of the Smart Pass decal?
General Title and Registration Issues
- How do I get a Tennessee license plate for my car?
- How do I change my address on vehicle title and registration records?
- What is the lemon law?
- If I sell my car to my sibling, is it subject to sales tax?
- I made a mistake on the assignment of title when selling my vehicle. What can I do?
- I made repairs to my salvaged vehicle. How do I apply for a new title?
Titling a Vehicle
- What is the Surety Bond process?
- How do I apply for a Certification of Ownership?
- If I purchased the vehicle in July and the dealership did not submit the paperwork to the county clerk’s office until August 1st, is the notation of lien fee applicable?
- If I divorce and the vehicle is awarded to me and the vehicle have a lienholder that I will be obligated to keep, is the noting of lien fee applicable?
- If I move to Tennessee from out of state and I have an existing lienholder on my vehicle, is the noting of lien fee applicable?
- My car has been wrecked or totaled. What do I do now?
Vehicle Registration
- Why did I not receive a renewal reminder notice in the mail?
- What are the state fees for vehicle registration?
- Can I receive a refund for the unused portion of my motor vehicle registration?
- What is the registration fee for a hybrid or electric vehicle in Tennessee?
- What is the James Lee Atwood Jr. Law?
- I've moved here from another state. How do I register my vehicle in Tennessee?
Personalized and Specialty Plates
- What specialty license plates are available?
- Can a person order a personalized plate on the initial list from the organization sponsoring a new specialized plate?
- What is the process for introducing a new specialty plate?
- How much money will an organization receive from the sale of specialty plates?
- When does the organization begin to receive funds for specialty plates sold?
- How do I apply for a personalized license plate?
Handicap Placards and License Plates
Taxes
Adult Performance Business Tax
Sales & Use Tax
- How do I file sales and use tax online?
- How do I register for sales and use tax?
- What are the registration requirements for getting a sales tax account number?
- When is sales tax due?
- How much does it cost to register my business for sales and use tax?
- How do I close my sales tax account?
Business Tax
- How do I get a username and password to file business tax online?
- Is my business required to have a business license?
- Are organizations that are exempt from business tax for sales of services required to remit business tax on sales of tangible personal property?
- If I have business licenses in my home county and city and venture into another county for a temporary sales period, am I required to obtain a business license in the other county?
- If I obtain business licenses in my home county and city and then move my business to another county or city, can my business licenses be transferred over to the new county or city?
- Are gross receipts derived from income tax preparation services subject to business tax?
Franchise & Excise Tax
- Do taxpayers have an option to delay claiming the standard job tax credit on their franchise and excise tax return?
- How Do I Make an Estimated Payment for Tennessee's Franchise and Excise Taxes?
- Is an adjustment needed to prevent the IRC Section 179 expense deduction from being deducted twice on the excise tax return?
- Why does my franchise and excise tax Notice of Overpayment not show my full credit balance available?
- How is owned property reported in the property factor of the apportionment ratio on a final return when a complete liquidation occurred in a single day?
- What is the due date for a franchise and excise tax return that covers less than 12 months?
General Tax Help
- How do I file Tennessee taxes under my marital joint account?
- What is the due date for calendar year 2017 tax returns?
- What is the Tennessee recordation tax?
- How will I know when my penalty waiver request in TNTAP has been processed?
- When can I apply for a penalty waiver?
- What is a credit memo?
E-File & Pay
- ★ How do I file business tax online?
- Where can I find a list of approved software vendors for Tennessee?
- Is paying electronically any different than paying by paper check?
- I filed my return today. Do I have to pay the same day?
- If I provide my bank account information with an electronic payment, can the Department take money out of my account whenever it wants to?
- If I provide my bank account information with an electronic payment, what does the Department do with that information?
Alcohol Taxes
- Are common carriers that deliver alcoholic beverages from direct shippers directly to consumers in Tennessee required to report such deliveries to the Department of Revenue?
- How does the Tennessee Department of Revenue define a case of alcohol?
- How do I register beer containing 5% - 8% alcohol by weight (ABW)?
- How do I register wine, distilled spirits, or high alcohol content beer (over 8% ABW) in Tennessee?
- Can an alcoholic beverage wholesaler be designated to distribute beer with partial county territories?
- Where can I find a list of beers registered in Tennessee?
Bottler's Tax
- Are mixers used to create mixed drinks taxable for bottler's tax?
- Do I have to pay business tax on my sales of bottled soft drinks?
- Is bottled water subject to bottler’s tax?
- Am I liable for bottler’s tax on my sales of bottled soft drinks outside of Tennessee?
- What is the difference between the taxable period and the reporting period for bottler’s tax?
- For bottler’s tax, can the credit for franchise and excise tax paid apply against the entire bottler’s tax liability?
Consumer Use Tax
- What happens if I do not voluntarily pay my use tax obligation?
- How do I file and pay my Tennessee consumer use tax?
- When do I file the consumer use tax?
- What is the consumer use tax rate?
- Who owes the consumer use tax?
- What is the purpose of the consumer use tax?
Family Owned Non-Corporate Entity Exemption (FONCE) - Franchise and Excise Tax
- Can my entity qualify as a FONCE if it has not generated any income?
- Can an S corporation qualify for the FONCE exemption, since the income passes through to my individual return for federal tax purposes?
- Can I qualify for the FONCE exemption if my LLC has only a single-member owner (SMLLC)?
- What if I received a Disclosure of Activity form for an entity that is not a FONCE, but is otherwise exempt from franchise and excise tax?
- What is considered to be residential property for purposes of the FONCE exemption?
- What is considered farming for purposes of the FONCE exemption?
Fantasy Sports Tax
Form FAE 186
- What is Form FAE 186?
- How is Form FAE 186 helpful?
- Is a non-depository financial institution with no branch or office in Tennessee required to submit Form FAE 186?
- Does a financial institution that is part of a unitary business (i.e. the group files franchise and excise taxes with Form FAE 174) need to submit Form FAE 186?
- Should branches or offices of non-depository financial institutions that are part of a unitary business be included on Line 4 of the financial institution that submits Form FAE 186?
- If a non-depository financial institution has multiple branches, but each branch is located within the same municipality, is the financial institution required to complete Line 4(c) (outstanding loans and sales contracts receivable) of Form FAE 186?
Hall Income Tax
- Are interest and dividends received from virtual currencies subject to Hall income tax?
- How do I submit a Hall income tax estimated payment for 2018?
- Has the Hall income tax been repealed?
- When is my Hall income tax return due?
- What is the Hall income tax?
- What is the Hall income tax rate?
Informal Conferences
- What is an administrative hearing?
- I received an assessment for an LDR report. Can I request a conference?
- I scheduled an informal conference. Does interest continue to run on my proposed assessment? Can the state take any other actions against me?
- What should I do to prepare for my informal conference?
- When is an informal conference not allowed?
- When is an informal conference typically not necessary?
Inheritance Tax
- Where do I send my inheritance tax payment?
- What must be included on the inheritance tax return?
- How must property be valued on the inheritance tax return?
- Are gifts made before the decendent’s death subject to the inheritance tax?
- What deductions are allowed on the inheritance tax return?
- Are selling expenses of real property deductible on the inheritance tax return?
Liquor-by-the-drink Tax
- What must a festival operator LBD licensee do in order to be compliant with the Department of Revenue?
- Can a for-profit operator of a festival obtain a license to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises of the festival?
- When an independent management company operates a hotel bar, is the hotel or management company responsible for paying the liquor-by-the-drink (LBD) and sales taxes collected on the hotel bar’s sale of alcoholic beverages?
- How do I file my price schedule in TNTAP?
- When is my annual price schedule required to be filed?
- I am beginning a business which includes selling liquor for consumption on the premises. I am required to file a price schedule with the Department of Revenue, but I am not sure what my average pour sizes and selling prices will be. What should I do?
Motor Fuel Taxes
- Is methanol subject to gasoline or diesel taxes?
- What are the new refund tax rates for gasoline and diesel?
- I am a wholesaler with gasoline and/or undyed diesel fuel in stock that I previously purchased for sale. Do I need to pay a floorstock tax?
- Has the compressed natural gas tax rate increased?
- Has the undyed diesel tax rate increased?
- Has the undyed diesel tax rate increased?
Oil and Tire Fees
- Does the tire environmental fee apply to non-profit organizations that are generally exempt from sales and use tax?
- Does the tire environmental fee apply to tires sold to governmental entities?
- Does the tire environmental fee apply to new leases?
- What legislation was passed in 2015 that impacts tire fees?
- Does the tire environmental fee apply to dealer trades within the state of Tennessee?
- Does the dealer receive compensation for accounting for sales and remitting the tire fee?
Out-of-State Dealer Sales and Use Tax Rule
- I tried to register using the out-of-state dealer sales and use tax registration application, but I can't access it online. What should I do?
- I’ve only been in business since July 1, 2016. How does the twelve-month period apply to me as an out-of-state seller with no physical presence in Tennessee? Will there be a proration of the $500,000 threshold for the six months I’ve been in business?
- Will the Department audit and assess my out-of-state company for any sales and use taxes not previously remitted to Tennessee?
- My out-of-state business has not previously registered for collecting Tennessee sales and use tax and now meets the requirement to collect sales and use taxes. When do I have to register for sales and use tax collection?
- My out-of-state business made less than $500,000 in sales to Tennessee consumers during the previous twelve months. Must I register to collect Tennessee sales and use tax?
- I have no physical location in Tennessee. Am I required to register as a dealer for sales and use tax collection?
Professional Privilege Tax
- ★ How do I pay the professional privilege tax online?
- ★ How do I get a receipt for my professional privilege tax payment?
- I am a company filing professional privilege tax for employees. On the spreadsheet for filing, I see a field for Non-US Country Only. What do I put in that column?
- I have multiple firms with multiple employees for which I have to file the professional privilege tax. Can I send them in all together?
- My employees are securities agents, and they have a CRD number instead of a license number. How will I look up their professional privilege tax account?
- I am a company filing professional tax for employees. What if I don’t know a professional privilege tax account number? How can I find this information?
Recordation Tax
- Are UCC fixture filings subject to the indebtedness/mortgage tax imposed pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-4-409(b)?
- Do UCC fixture filings require a value stated as Maximum Principle Indebtedness?
- How should the recordation tax be calculated on a warranty deed that includes a retained life estate?
- What information is required on a modified or amended deed?
- What is required when someone submits a document to be recorded and claims that the tax on the document has been paid in another jurisdiction?
- Is additional recordation tax due on an increase in indebtedness beyond the amount stated in a prior document?
Remotely Accessed Software
- Has the Department of Revenue issued any tax rulings on remotely accessed software?
- If I sell the use of remotely accessed software to a customer with users in TN as well as other states, can I exempt the entire sales price and have the customer report use tax on its TN portion? What documentation do I collect from the customer?
- What is remotely accessed software?
- When is computer software subject to the sales tax in Tennessee?
- If I sell remotely accessed software, on what amount should I collect Tennessee sales tax?
- Is customization of prewritten computer software subject to the Tennessee sales tax?
Retail Accountability Program
- What is the Retail Accountability Program?
- I received an assessment from the Retail Accountability Program. Why do I owe money?
- How are assessments calculated for the Retail Accountability Program?
- How does the Tennessee Department of Revenue know what I purchased through the Retail Accountability Program?
- There are items other than beer and tobacco included in my Retail Accountability (RAP) purchase data. Are non-beer and non-tobacco purchases used in the RAP calculation? If not, why are they showing up in my data?
- My Notice of Assessment says that I can access the wholesaler data used to make this assessment online, but I am having difficulty. How can I get the data?
Retail Accountability Wholesaler/Distributor
- Why am I required to submit an information report to the Department of Revenue’s Retail Accountability Program of my sales to Tennessee retailers?
- What products are required to be reported on the RAP wholesaler/distributor information report?
- When is the RAP wholesaler/distributor report due?
- How are the RAP wholesaler/distributor information reports used?
- Is there tax due with the RAP wholesaler/distributor information report?
- What are the penalties for filing the RAP wholesaler/distributor information report late or incorrectly filing?
Sales Tax Holiday
- When is the sales tax holiday?
- What items qualify for the sales tax holiday?
- How do I claim the sales tax holiday exemption?
- What merchants are participating in the sales tax holiday?
- Can I buy items out of town or out of state and still qualify for the sales tax holiday?
- If the selling price of an art supply or a clothing item exceeds $100, is the first $100 still exempt from sales tax?
Tax Fraud
- Where do most tips of alleged tax fraud come from?
- If I report tax fraud, how long will it take for something to be done?
- If I provide you my contact information, can I get periodic updates about Tennessee tax fraud investigations?
- How do I report tax fraud to the state of Tennessee?
- Is there a reward for reporting tax fraud?
- Can I remain anonymous if I call to report someone for tax fraud?
Tax Bonds
- I received a letter stating that my bond amount has increased or decreased, but I have multiple bonds on file. Which of my bonds should be updated?
- How do I print a surety bond rider form in TNTAP?
- How do I complete a surety bond rider form?
- How do I submit a surety bond rider form in TNTAP?
- I received a letter stating that my bond amount is insufficient. How do I provide a cash bond to the Department?
- Can I provide a certificate of deposit (CD) for a bonded account?
Tax Rulings
- When is a Power of Attorney required for a letter ruling?
- Are issued rulings published?
- What is an expedited ruling request?
- What fees are associated with the issuance of a ruling?
- How do I request a letter or revenue ruling?
- What is a revenue ruling?
Tobacco Tax
- What is the minimum markup increase set by the Unfair Cigarette Sales Law?
- What is the minimum selling price that retailers may legally advertise and sell cigarettes?
- I have tobacco stamps that are damaged. How can I get a credit for these stamps?
- How do I obtain a tobacco license?
- How do I get brands listed in the Tennessee Directory?
- What is the penalty for operating without a tobacco license?
Voluntary Disclosure
- Who do I contact for questions regarding voluntary disclosures?
- If I enter a voluntary disclosure agreement, do I need to file returns for the period covered by the agreement?
- Under a voluntary disclosure agreement, will you waive penalty and interest?
- What is the look-back period for voluntary disclosures?
- What should be included in my letter requesting a voluntary disclosure agreement?
- How do I enter into a voluntary disclosure agreement?
Drive Insured Tennessee
For Drivers
- How do I contact the Department of Revenue if I have a question about the state’s automobile insurance verification program?
- What if I haven’t been insuring my vehicle because I can’t afford it?
- My vehicle is not being used. Does it still need to have auto insurance?
- What if I get pulled over right after getting insurance on a vehicle I just bought?
- I have insurance, but the state’s Electronic Verification Insurance System is not able to confirm my policy. Why?
- How do I report self-insurance to the state?
For Insurance Companies
- Broad Form Insurance
- What is the format of the error file?
- Will there be an error code provided with the error file?
- Will the error file be policy-specific or will it be by VIN?
- How often will insurance companies get an error file?
- Tennessee will email a website to pick up the error files. Will this always be the same location?
Collection Services
Final Demand Letters
- The Final Demand for Payment Notice does not specify a Revenue officer to call. How do I know who to contact?
- Will I be able to make a payment over the phone when I receive a notice from the Collection Services Division?
- I have a levy or wage garnishment hold on my account. Who can I contact to get this resolved?
- I closed my business. Why am I still receiving notices saying I owe taxes?
- I received a final demand for payment, but I cannot afford to pay the balance by the deadline given on the notice. Can I request a payment plan?
- I received a final demand for payment, but I don’t know what tax or taxes I owe. How do I find out?
Payment Plans
- How do I enter a payment plan/installment payment agreement (IPA) in TNTAP?
- Why was my payment plan terminated for liquor-by-the-drink (LBD) tax when I filed and paid all LBD taxes?
- I want to set up a payment plan, but it keeps getting rejected. Why?
- My tax accounts are closed. Can I setup a payment plan in TNTAP?
- I have a payment plan/installment payment agreement (IPA) with the Department. Why are my payments not drafting from my bank account?
- I want to pay off my payment plan today. Do I need to cancel the plan or will it automatically draft the next payment?
Offers In Compromise
- I have questions about the Offer in Compromise Application. Who should I contact?
- What if my offer in compromise is based on a legal argument instead of inability to pay?
- Where do I send my offer?
- Why might my offer be rejected?
- How is my offer evaluated?
- Does submitting the amount computed using the application worksheet guarantee acceptance of my offer?
Motor Carrier
New Changes with TNTAP
- What Motor Carrier functions can I do online through TNTAP?
- Do I have to reapply in TNTAP?
- Can a customer still file manually and not use TNTAP?
- Will I still be able to pay with Comdata?
- Will TNTAP replace the old system for IRP for doing things such as transfers, renewal and supplements?
- Will third-party services have a separate account for each client, or will we have an account similar to what we have set up now?
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
Intrastate Authority
International Registration Plan (IRP)
- Is a USDOT number required prior to registering for IRP?
- Is a USDOT number required prior to registering for IRP?
- What is the Federal Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax (form 2290)?
- What is a Hunter's permit?
- What can happen if I travel in a jurisdiction that is not on my cab card?
- If a new vehicle is purchased, can the IRP registration be transferred?
International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
- I have questions about IFTA and filing my return. Who should I contact?
- Can I file my IFTA return online?
- What are IFTA reporting requirements?
- How does IFTA define a "qualified motor vehicle"?
- How do I determine if Tennessee is my home base for IFTA licensing and reporting?
- When do my IFTA license and decals expire?
General
- How do I transfer a truck plate?
- Where is the Motor Carrier Office located?
- Where do I apply for a USDOT number or inactivate my USDOT?
- What is a form 2290?
- I have lost my truck plate and/or decal, what do I need to do?
- What if my account for IRP or IFTA is locked?
General
Webinars
- How do I choose the correct business tax classification for my business?
- What is professional privilege tax and who must pay?
- Does the Department provide any online resources for new businesses in Tennessee to learn about their tax obligations?
- How do I get a TNTAP logon?
- What is TNTAP?
- How do I register for taxes that are part of the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP)?
Public Records Requests
- Where can I find out more information about Tennessee’s Open Records Act?
- When will the Department of Revenue respond to my public records request?
- Are there any fees associated with requesting records from the Department of Revenue?
- How do I submit a public records request?
- Is my individual tax information subject to the public records laws, or is it kept confidential?
- How does the Department of Revenue provide records requested under the Open Records Act?
Revenue Careers
- How often are new job openings posted to the Tennessee Department of Human Resources web site?
- I received a notification indicating that I did not qualify for a job for which I applied. Can I appeal this decision?
- I am in the process of completing my application online, and I have a problem. Whom should I contact for assistance?
- I received a letter stating that I am qualified for a position, and I have completed the first round interview survey. Am I guaranteed a face-to-face interview?
- What happens after I submit my application?
- How do I apply for a job with the Tennessee Department of Revenue?
Salvage/NMVTIS Reporting
General
- What is salvage or NMVTIS reporting?
- Why do I have to report?
- How can I report?
- What if I do not report?
- What if I am notified that a vehicle has been reported stolen?
- Who do I call if I have a question regarding the confirmation of a stolen vehicle received?