1. Prepare test files with a couple records for each type of file submission (you can do the steps below to see the field layout and then create the files if you prefer.)

   For withholding you should create one file for semi-monthly/monthly deposit transactions; one file for quarterly/annual return transactions and one file for annual VSP transactions because there are 3 distinct file formats.

   For sales, there are 4 types of file submission: Sales monthly/semi-monthly deposit, sales quarterly return, retailer use monthly deposit, and retailer use quarterly return. Consumer's use quarterly return will be available in October. You will need valid client BENs, permit and filing frequency for test files.

2. Log onto the Iowa Web site and enter your Service Provider Business eFile Number (BEN). Click CONTINUE.

3. You must complete the Your Profile information the first time in. Be sure to record your password information – you will need it for subsequent logins.

IMPORTANT*** If you are testing Every time you login, click the DEMO on/off button at the top of the Main Menu screen. If you don't do this, the system is sending live production transactions.

4. In the middle of the main menu screen, click on “file for your clients.”

5. On the Third Party Bulk Filing Menu, scroll down to bulk filing menu and select the return type for the file you want to define. (You will eventually perform steps 5-12 for all file formats but you can start with any selection)

6. Click upload.

7. On the Bulk File Type screen, Choose whether you will send a fixed or delimited file depending on how you created (or plan to create) your data transaction file. (Either will work just to view the available file layouts.)

8. Define the file layout of the file(s) you created in #1 or of those you plan to create.

9. Save the file configuration for batch send. (This will be available to use when you perform DWI or the batch loader function). Enter the file name, select a password, the save as type selection is “all files”, and then click on download configuration to save it. Keep track of where you store the configuration file(s) and the password. If you forget the password, you will have to define and save the configuration again. **** See step 13 if you plan to use the batch loader tool. ****

10. Test the file format. (This is a direct Web interface test rather than the actual batch loader but it will test the file for you and Batch Loader will perform the same checks.) Enter the filename for the file you created in #1. Click on CONTINUE at bottom of screen.

11. Results screen will appear with up to 10 lines. If the results are good, click CONTINUE again to submit the data (Again, if you are testing make sure you are in demo mode before selecting continue.) Once you continue here, edits are being performed on the actual data values. Error codes are available.

12. If you plan to use the Batch Loader tool, it can be downloaded during Step 9. After clicking on SAVE for batch, the screen will change and there is an option to click here to download the Batch Upload Tool. However, file testing may only be completed in DWI.

13. When you are ready to submit a file using the Batch Loader Tool, refer to the Batch Loader User Guide (pdf) on the department Web site.

14. Results of your DWI transmission including confirmation numbers for each successful transaction will appear when processing is complete. This may take a few minutes depending on the size of the file you are sending and the availability of the Web site. You will want to save the results of the DWI transmission since you are not able to access results of previously transmitted files the next time you log in.