If you’re expanding your business into multiple states, you’re probably asking: “How often will I need to file sales tax returns once I’m registered?”
It’s a smart question, and one we hear often from merchants going through non-Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) registrations with TaxCloud.
While most states start new filers off with monthly returns, many allow less frequent filing (like quarterly or annual) depending on your sales volume and tax liability. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what to expect.
What Is Sales Tax Filing Frequency?
Filing frequency refers to how often your business needs to submit sales tax returns to each state. States use your sales activity or tax liability to determine whether you file:
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Semi-annually
- Annually
Most states default to monthly filings for new businesses, and may adjust your frequency later based on your reported sales or collected tax.
Filing Frequency When You First Register
While each state has its own rules for adjusting sales tax filing frequency over time, it’s helpful to understand what most merchants can expect right after registration. Here’s a snapshot of the initial filing frequency assigned by each state when TaxCloud completes your registration:
| State | Frequency for New Registration |
| Alabama | Monthly |
| Alaska | Monthly |
| Arizona | Monthly |
| California | Based on sales |
| Colorado | Monthly |
| Connecticut | Monthly |
| Washington DC | Monthly |
| Florida | Quarterly |
| Hawaii | Monthly |
| Idaho | Based on sales |
| Illinois | Based on sales |
| Louisiana | Monthly |
| Maine | Based on sales |
| Maryland | Quarterly |
| Massachusetts | Based on sales |
| Mississippi | Monthly |
| Missouri | Based on sales |
| New Mexico | Monthly |
| New York | Quarterly (not on a standard calendar quarter, e.g., Dec–Feb) |
| Puerto Rico | Monthly |
| South Carolina | Monthly |
| Texas | Quarterly |
| Virginia | Monthly |
Note: These frequencies can change after your first year of filing, depending on how much sales tax you collect. If your frequency changes, the state will send you a notice by mail.
Filing Frequency by State
This list breaks down state-by-state sales and use tax return due dates and whether alternative filing frequencies are available. Dates typically refer to the day of the month the return is due after the reporting period ends.
Here’s a state-by-state summary to help you understand your likely filing schedule:
| State | Standard Due Date | Other Filing Options |
| Alabama (AL) | 20th of each month | Quarterly, semi-annual, or annual allowed |
| Arizona (AZ) | 20th (paper) or second-to-last day (electronic) | Quarterly or annual for smaller sellers |
| California (CA) | Quarterly: 1/31, 4/30, 7/31, 10/31 | Monthly or annual for some taxpayers |
| Colorado (CO) | 20th of each month | Other schedules may be allowed |
| Connecticut (CT) | End of the next month | Based on liability: monthly (> $4k), quarterly ($1k–$4k), annual (< $1k) |
| District of Columbia (DC) | 20th of each month | Quarterly and annual options available |
| Florida (FL) | 20th of each month | Less frequent if under $12,000/year |
| Hawaii (HI) | 20th of each month | Less frequent for certain taxpayers |
| Idaho (ID) | 20th of each month | Quarterly, semi-annual, or annual (with approval) |
| Illinois (IL) | 20th of each month | Quarterly or annual based on average liability |
| Louisiana (LA) | 20th of each month | Quarterly allowed if tax averages < $500/month |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 30th of each month | Quarterly and annual filing allowed |
| Maryland (MD) | 20th of each month | No other schedule specified |
| Maine (ME) | 15th of each month | Less frequent for smaller taxpayers |
| Missouri (MO) | Monthly, quarterly, or annual based on thresholds | E.g., monthly > $500/month, annual < $200/quarter |
| Mississippi (MS) | 20th of each month | No other schedule specified |
| New Mexico (NM) | 25th of each month | Quarterly or semiannual with permission |
| New York (NY) | 20th of each month | Quarterly if under $300k in receipts; annual in some cases |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | 20th of each month | Quarterly and annual available based on liability |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 20th of each month | Quarterly: 1/31, 4/30, 7/31, 10/31 |
| South Carolina (SC) | 20th of each month | No other schedule specified |
| Texas (TX) | 20th of each month | Quarterly (< $1.5k/quarter), annual (< $1k/year) |
| Virginia (VA) | 20th of each month | Quarterly or other frequencies may apply |
Note: These are standard due dates. States can, and often do, adjust filing frequencies over time based on your reported activity.
How TaxCloud Helps
If you’re registering for sales tax in multiple states, it can feel overwhelming to track all the filing frequencies and due dates. That’s where TaxCloud comes in.
When we handle your state registrations:
- You’ll likely start with monthly filings.
- We monitor for changes and adjust your return schedule as the state allows.
- You get peace of mind knowing you’re compliant across the board.
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