BOE-file - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is BOE-file?
2. Is there a cost to BOE-file?
3. Do I need to be a business owner to use BOE-file?
4. How do I register to BOE-file?
5. Once I am registered as an E-client can I e-file for more than one account number?
6. How do I begin to BOE-file?
7. What if I forget my User ID?
8. How do I change my User ID?
9. What if I forget my password?
10. How do I choose a question to help me remember my password?
11. What if I forgot my Personal Identification Code (PIC)?
12. How do I change my personal e-mail address?
13. How do I change the business e-mail address?
14. What happens if I attempt to e-file and the BOE-file system is not available?
15. What if I experience technical difficulties with my computer before I complete the filing of my return?
16. What are the minimum browser requirements for using BOE-file?
17. What if I have no entry for a particular page?
18. Will I have to include my banking information if I do not have tax due?
19. How do I reprint my confirmation page?
20. If I have completed my e-file transaction and realize I have made a mistake, how do I cancel my transaction and start a new filing?
21. Can I discontinue receiving paper returns now that I am filing my returns electronically?

1. What is BOE-file?
   

   BOE-file is a process that makes it possible for taxpayers to use the Internet to file a California sales and use tax return and make a payment directly to the Board of Equalization (BOE). The return and payment are filed electronically so there is no postage cost and no need to worry about items being lost or delayed in the mail.

2. Is there a cost to BOE-file?

   There is no fee to use BOE-file to electronically file your return and payment.

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3. Do I need to be a business owner to use BOE-file?

   No, but only a business owner can register and grant permissions to an "Authorized User" to file on their behalf.

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4. How do I register to BOE-file?

   If you are a business owner select the "Register to E-File" link and follow the instructions to register as an E-client.

   Note: You must have a copy of your return with the account number before you register as an E-client. Once you are registered, you will receive three separate e-mails that identify your default password, User ID, and account permissions.

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5. Once I am registered as an E-client can I e-file for more than one account number?

   No, you can only e-file for the account number that you have been given permissions for. To add additional account numbers, you must contact the BOE at 800-400-7115.

   Note: Only an owner of the account can request additional permissions for their account.

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6. How do I begin to BOE-file?

   Select the "Login to BOE-file" link and type in your User ID and password.

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7. What if I forget my User ID?

   You must contact the (BOE) at 800-400-7115.

   Note: You will be required to provide authentication information.

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8. How do I change my User ID?

   Select the "Login to BOE-file" link and type in your User ID and password. Then select the "User Maintenance" link from the Electronic Filing - Sales and Use Tax page and scroll down to "Enter your new User ID" and follow the instructions.

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9. What if I forget my password?

   Select the "Forgotten Password" link from the BOE-File page and type in your User ID. You will be required to select and answer your forgotten password question.

   Note: If you did not choose a forgotten password question and answer, you must contact the BOE at 800-400-7115 to obtain a new password.

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10. How do I choose a question to help me remember my password?

    Select the "Login to BOE-file" link and type in your User ID and Password. Then select the "User Maintenance" link from the Electronic Filing - Sales and Use Tax page and scroll down to "Enter your Question" and follow the instructions.

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11. What if I forgot my Personal Identification Code (PIC)?

    You must contact the BOE at 800-400-7115.

    Note: You will be required to provide authentication information.

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12. How do I change my personal e-mail address?

    Select the "Login to BOE-file" link and type in your User ID and Password. Then select the "User Maintenance" link from the Electronic Filing - Sales and Use Tax page and scroll down to "Enter your e-mail address" and follow the instructions.

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13. How do I change the business e-mail address?

    You must contact the BOE at 800-400-7115.

    Note: You will be required to provide authentication information.

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14. What happens if I attempt to e-file and the BOE-file system is not available?

    You are still responsible for filing a return and submitting payment for tax due. A paper return may be filed if electronic filing is not available. However, the paper return must be postmarked by the return due date to be considered timely.

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15. What if I experience technical difficulties with my computer before I complete the filing of my return?

    The BOE-file system will automatically saves a working copy of the information entered after every successful transmission of the "Continue" button. When you log back in, the system will display the following messages:

    "Continue where I left off"
    or
    "Delete and start a new return".

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16. What are the minimum browser requirements for using BOE-file?

    The following browsers have been tested for using BOE-file: Internet Explorer 6.0, Firefox 1.5.0.3, Safari 2.0.3, Netscape 8.0.4 and Opera 8.51.

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17. What if I have no entry for a particular page?

    Press the "Continue" button to advance to the next page.

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18. Will I have to include my banking information if I do not have tax due?

    No, if the amount due is zero or you have a credit you will be able to file your return without providing your banking information.

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19. How do I reprint my confirmation page?

    You can login to BOE-file and select “View BOE-file History” from the Electronic Services Main Menu. You will be able to view and reprint all the returns or prepayments you have filed through BOE-file.

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20. If I have completed my e-file transaction and realize I have made a mistake, how do I cancel my transaction and start a new filing?

    You must contact BOE at 800-400-7115 to see if your filing is available for cancellation.

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21. Can I discontinue receiving paper returns now that I am filing my returns electronically?

    Yes, select the Login to BOE-file link.

    1. Type your USER ID and password and select the Submit button.
    2. Select the "Maintain your Sales and Use Tax Account" link from Electronic Filing – Electronic Services Main Menu.
    3. Enter the account number of the account you wish to update and select the Continue button.
    4. Under "Paper Returns" check the box provided to discontinue receiving paper returns.
    5. Select the Submit button to send your request to the BOE.

    You should receive an e-mail from BOE confirming that you no longer wish to receive paper returns for the selected account.

    On the first day of the month that your return is due, we will send you an e-mail reminding you to file your electronic return instead of a paper return. Failure to receive an e-mail reminder or tax return from the BOE does not excuse you from the requirement to file your return timely.

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