# How to File Texas Sales Tax Online in 2026

Canonical: https://trykintsugi.com/blog/how-to-file-texas-sales-tax-online
Published: 2026-09-26

A step-by-step guide to filing Texas sales tax in Webfile: who files and how often, Form 01-114, due dates, zero returns, payment rules, and penalties.

Texas sales tax returns are filed online through **Webfile**, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' free filing system. This guide walks through the process for businesses that file their own returns: who has to file and how often, how to get into Webfile, what the return asks for, when it is due, how to pay, and what happens if you are late.

This article is educational information, not tax advice. Filing rules, thresholds, and penalties can change, so confirm current requirements with the [Texas Comptroller](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/) before you file.

## Texas sales tax filing at a glance

- **Who administers it:** Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
- **Online portal:** Webfile, accessed through the Comptroller's eSystems login at [security.app.cpa.state.tx.us](https://security.app.cpa.state.tx.us/).
- **Return:** Form 01-114, Texas Sales and Use Tax Return (Form 01-117 is the short form).
- **Filing frequency:** Monthly, quarterly, or yearly, assigned by the Comptroller.
- **Due date:** The 20th of the month after the reporting period, moved to the next working day if the 20th falls on a weekend or legal holiday.
- **Zero returns:** Required. You can file one in Webfile or by phone with TeleFile.
- **Payment:** Electronic check or credit card in Webfile, EDI, TEXNET, or paper check where permitted.

## Who has to file, and how often

Every business that holds a Texas sales and use tax permit has to file a return for each assigned period. That includes remote sellers that registered after crossing Texas's economic nexus threshold of $500,000 in Texas revenue over the previous 12 months. Our [Texas sales tax guide](/sales-tax-guides/usa/texas) covers registration and nexus in more detail.

The Comptroller tells you your filing frequency by letter after it approves your permit. There are three schedules:

| Frequency | When it applies | Due date |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | The default for many permit holders | 20th of the following month |
| Quarterly | Generally when you owe less than $500 a month or less than $1,500 a quarter | April 20, July 20, October 20, January 20 |
| Yearly | Available to qualifying low-volume filers | January 20 for the prior calendar year |

If your sales change enough to move you to a different schedule, the Comptroller notifies you. File on the schedule in your most recent notice, not the one you think you qualify for.

## Before you start: set up Webfile access

Webfile sits inside **eSystems**, the Comptroller's secure login portal. To file for the first time:

1. **Create an eSystems user profile.** Go to the eSystems login page and register. The Comptroller requires a password of 10 to 25 characters with uppercase, lowercase, a number, and a special character.
2. **Add taxpayer access.** Once logged in, add your business by entering your 11-digit Texas taxpayer number (no dashes or spaces) and your Webfile number. The Webfile number is printed on the notice the Comptroller mailed you.
3. **Have your records ready.** You will need total sales, taxable sales, and taxable purchases for the period, broken out by location if you report more than one outlet.

## Step-by-step: filing a Texas sales tax return in Webfile

The Comptroller's Webfile tutorials describe two filing paths: **list filers** and **outlet filers**. Businesses with a single location or a simple setup usually file as list filers; businesses with several permitted locations report each outlet. The general flow is the same.

1. **Log in to eSystems** and select Webfile for sales and use tax.
2. **Choose the taxpayer and the filing period.** Pick the permit and the month, quarter, or year you are reporting.
3. **Report your sales.** Form 01-114 asks for total Texas sales, taxable sales, and taxable purchases (items you bought tax-free and used yourself, on which you owe use tax). Outlet filers report these amounts for each location.
4. **Review local tax.** Texas sales tax is a combined state and local tax. Webfile applies the state rate of 6.25% plus the local rates tied to your locations. Make sure each outlet's local jurisdictions are correct.
5. **Review discounts and totals.** If you file and pay on time, Webfile applies the timely filing discount. Check the tax due before you submit.
6. **Pay.** Choose an electronic check (which you can date in advance) or a credit card. Card payments carry a nonrefundable fee.
7. **Save your confirmation.** Keep the confirmation page with your records for the period.

To correct a return you already filed, Webfile has a separate amended return process covered in the Comptroller's tutorial videos.

## Due dates and the weekend rule

Texas sales tax returns and payments are due on the **20th day of the month after the reporting period ends**. Monthly returns for April are due May 20. Quarterly returns are due April 20, July 20, October 20, and January 20. Yearly returns are due January 20.

If the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the next working day is the due date.

Businesses that pay through TEXNET have earlier cutoffs: payments over $1,000,000 must be initiated by 8 p.m. Central time on the banking business day before the due date, and payments of $1,000,000 or less by 10 a.m. Central on the due date.

## Filing a zero return

You must file even when you had no sales. A late zero return still triggers the $50 late filing penalty.

- **Webfile:** File the return and enter zero.
- **TeleFile:** Call 888-4-FILING (888-434-5464), available 24 hours a day. TeleFile is for returns with no tax due. Use the short form (01-117) path if you had zero taxable sales and zero tax due, or the long form (01-114) path only if you also had zero total sales. You need your 11-digit taxpayer number, filing frequency, and period, and you get a confirmation number at the end.

## Payment methods and electronic payment rules

Webfile accepts electronic checks and credit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa). Other options are EDI for businesses with many outlets, TEXNET ACH debit, and paper checks for businesses that are allowed to pay by mail.

Electronic requirements depend on what you paid in the preceding state fiscal year (September 1 through August 31):

- **$10,000 or more** in sales and use tax: you must pay electronically.
- **$50,000 or more:** you must also file electronically.
- **$500,000 or more:** you must pay through TEXNET.

The Comptroller notifies you by letter when you cross the TEXNET threshold.

## Discounts for filing on time

Texas lets permit holders keep a small share of the tax they collect:

- **Timely filing discount:** 0.5% of the tax timely reported and paid.
- **Prepayment discount:** Businesses that prepay can take an additional 1.25%, for a total of 1.75%.

Both discounts are lost if the return or payment is late.

## Penalties and interest for late filing

- **Late report:** $50 for each report filed after the due date, even if no tax is due.
- **Late payment, 1 to 30 days:** 5% of the tax due.
- **Late payment, more than 30 days:** 10% of the tax due.
- **Paid after the date on a Notice of Tax Due:** an additional 10%, for a total of 20%.
- **Interest:** Begins on the 61st day after the due date.

## Common mistakes to avoid

- **Skipping zero returns.** Every assigned period needs a return, and missing one costs $50 even with nothing owed.
- **Leaving out taxable purchases.** Items bought tax-free for resale and then used in the business belong on the return as taxable purchases.
- **Wrong local jurisdictions.** Local tax follows your locations. If you add or close an outlet, update your permit so Webfile applies the right rates.
- **Filing on the wrong schedule.** File on the frequency in your latest Comptroller notice.
- **Paying at the deadline with TEXNET.** Large TEXNET payments have to be started the business day before.
- **Losing the discount.** A payment that arrives a day late gives up the 0.5% discount and adds a penalty.

## Let Kintsugi file for you

If you file in more than one state, or you would rather not log in to Webfile every month, [Kintsugi's sales tax filing software](/product/sales-tax-filing-software) prepares and files Texas returns on your assigned schedule, including zero returns, and remits payment. You review the numbers; Kintsugi handles the portal. Plans start from $75 per filing, with no per-state subscription.

[Start free](https://auth.trykintsugi.com/en/signup) or [book a demo](/kintsugi-demo).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I file Texas sales tax online for free?

Yes. Webfile is free to use. The only fee is the processor's charge if you pay by credit card.

### What form do I use to file Texas sales tax?

Form 01-114, Texas Sales and Use Tax Return. Form 01-117 is the short form. When you file in Webfile, you enter the same information online instead of on the paper form.

### When is Texas sales tax due?

On the 20th of the month after the reporting period. If the 20th falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it moves to the next working day.

### Do I have to file if I had no sales?

Yes. File a zero return in Webfile or by TeleFile at 888-434-5464. A late zero return is still charged the $50 late filing penalty.

### How do I change my filing frequency?

The Comptroller assigns your frequency and notifies you of changes. TeleFile also supports moving from monthly to quarterly, or quarterly to yearly, when you are eligible.

### What if I miss the deadline?

File and pay as soon as possible. You will owe the $50 late report penalty plus a 5% or 10% late payment penalty, depending on how late you pay. Interest starts on the 61st day after the due date.

## Sources

- Texas Comptroller, [Sales and Use Tax](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/)
- Texas Comptroller, [Tax Filing and Payment Options](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/file-pay/)
- Texas Comptroller, [About Webfile](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/file-pay/about-webfile.php)
- Texas Comptroller, [TeleFile](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/file-pay/telefile.php)
- Texas Comptroller, [Penalties](https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/file-pay/penalties.php)