- I'm logged into My Tax Account (MTA) and can't see my manufacturing accounts. Why not?
Many manufacturers already have access to MTA for different tax filings. The same MTA login can be used. The manufacturing accounts are available as of January 9, 2023, for all manufacturing customers to add access on MTA. If you are experiencing access issues, refer to question #1 under MTA Account Access Common Questions or contact the district office in your area.
- Can My Tax Account be set up for an individual to file a Wisconsin Manufacturing Real Estate Return?
Yes. MTA can be set up for an individual. Use your social security number (instead of a federal employer identification number) and follow the registration steps for business owner/employee/property owner account.
- Can multiple users access an account at the same time?
Yes. Each user needs their own MTA username and password to have access to manufacturing accounts. Usernames and passwords cannot be shared due to security reasons. MTA customer service will not provide assistance if you are trying to log into someone else's MTA profile for the business entity.
- Who should have the MTA ‘master’ account for e-filing the manufacturing returns?
The master accountholder should be the business/property owner.
If an individual has a Wisconsin-registered LLC with a federal employer identification number (FEIN) assigned by the IRS, they must create an MTA account under the LLC's FEIN.
If a Wisconsin-registered LLC does not have a FEIN, an individual can register under their social security number or Wisconsin taxpayer number (located in welcome letter being sent in mid-January 2023).
- Do I need to set up a separate MTA account for each separate entity that files an M-P or M-R Form? Does each separate LLC under the same owner that files its own M-R Form need a separate MTA account?
No. The owner can create one login under one of their entities and then obtain third-party access to their other entities under the same login. This way, the owner can access all their entities with just one username and password.
- What if a taxpayer does not wish us to see their individual tax filing information? Can it be limited to the filing of the M-R Form only?
Yes. The access will be limited to the manufacturing returns only.
- I have a new location for my property. How do I report the new location?
Contact a Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) appraiser at the district office in your area. After you explain the property location changes to the appraiser, they will inform you of your filing requirements.
- I purchased a real estate parcel that is used for manufacturing. What should I do?
Contact the district office in your area. After you explain the property status changes to the appraiser, they will inform you of your filing requirements.
- I'm no longer in business. Do I need to let someone know? What are my filing requirements?
Yes. To determine your filing requirements, contact the district office in your area.
- How can I get a copy of last year's return?
If you-e filed your 2022 return, you can obtain a copy through the Manufacturing Assessment System. Go to the "Account History" page and follow the instructions to print prior e-filed returns. If you paper-filed, contact the district office in your area.
- My firm is trying to e-file an M-L Form for a new leasing company. The leasing company does not have a Wisconsin taxpayer number. What should I do?
- Contact the district office in your area to have your leasing company registered with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. You will then receive a greeting letter with instructions on e-filing MTA.
- Another option is to file a paper M-L Form for the current year. After you receive your assigned Wisconsin taxpayer number, e-file in MTA for the subsequent years.
- I am a disregarded entity-manufacturing owner with neither a FEIN nor Wisconsin Tax Number. How do I file my M-Forms?
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) will assign a Wisconsin Taxpayer Number (WTN) to your entity. The appropriate manufacturing account will then be associated to that WTN. DOR will send a Letter ID to you as the current property owner of record that DOR has in the assessment system (name and address on the manufacturing assessment roll). The Letter ID has the information you need to access the manufacturing account to e-file an M-Form.
- Are the manufacturing returns prepared via a click-through form within MTA (similar to other MTA tax filings), versus the prior method of preparing the return within a pdf?
Yes. The new M-P, M-R and M-L Forms function similar to other MTA forms (ex: sales tax return). They are longer in a PDF format. File document uploads within MTA are acceptable only as attachments (ex: fixed asset lists, building plans and appraisals).
- Was manufacturing personal property and real estate information downloaded to MTA?
Yes. Partial information was converted into MTA for your reference. If you e-filed your 2022 return, visit the Manufacturing Assessment System (MAS) to view that return and other historical filings.
- Is there a transition period for filers to become accustomed to this new process/system? Is there a way to ‘opt out’ of electronically filing an M-Form and file on paper?
No. There isn't a transition period. The Manufacturing Assessment System (MAS) is available to access historical filings only. A filer may choose to submit a paper return by mail. It will be processed accordingly as long as it is on the 2023 DOR prescribed form; no prior year forms will be accepted.
DOR encourages e-filing since the data is stored in MTA with 24/7 access. E-filed returns help speed up and simplify the filing process for future returns since some assessment data is carried over from one tax year to another.
- Will the state mail out hardcopy original forms requiring original (wet) signatures?
Paper forms will not be mailed. Paper forms require an original (wet) signature. The forms are available to download on our website. If you would like to have a hard copy of the form mailed, please contact the district office in your area.
- How do I print a copy of my manufacturing assessment return in My Tax Account (MTA)?
To print a copy of your submitted manufacturing assessment return, go to 'File/View Returns' located across from your manufacturing account on MTA's home page. In MTA, click "View or Amend Return" for the filing period you'd like to print, then select "Print" in the top-right corner of the next screen. A PDF of the return opens in a separate tab. If you experience viewing and/or printing issues, see Troubleshooting.
- What are the mechanics of setting up MTA access for a third-party preparer in case a manufacturer has its own MTA?
If a practitioner files on behalf of the manufacturer, the practitioner must obtain MTA access to the manufacturing account as a third-party preparer. In MTA, a third-party preparer can request access to the applicable manufacturing account via "Request Third-Party Account Access" under "Manage My Profile – More…"
The manufacturer will receive a greeting letter with required steps on obtaining access to the manufacturing account in MTA. This letter includes information from last year's return, so we recommend having it handy.
- For third-party practitioners to assist in e-filing a return, do we need authorization for each separate account filing?
Yes. Third party practitioners must obtain authorization for each separate entity. If you file on behalf of a customer and you're able to provide the necessary information requested by DOR, you will gain access to the new manufacturing account after completing the required steps in MTA.
A third-party practitioner uses their own username and password and adds access to each of the manufacturing accounts they are filing on behalf of.
A third-party preparer may request access to a client's accounts (M-Forms) if the client is not registered to use MTA. To select this access, the third-party preparer must have a Form A-777a on file with their client's signature. This form provides the client's approval to file returns, make payments (if applicable) and access account information through MTA.
- Are the manufacturing returns prepared via a click-through form within MTA (similar to other MTA tax filings), versus the prior method of preparing the return within a pdf?
Yes. The new M-P, M-R and M-L Forms function similar to other MTA forms (ex: sales tax return). They are longer in a PDF format. File document uploads within MTA are acceptable only as attachments (ex: fixed asset lists, building plans and appraisals).
- Was manufacturing personal property and real estate information downloaded to MTA?
Yes. Partial information was converted into MTA for your reference. If you e-filed your 2022 return, visit the Manufacturing Assessment System (MAS) to view that return and other historical filings.
- Is there a transition period for filers to become accustomed to this new process/system? Is there a way to ‘opt out’ of electronically filing an M-Form and file on paper?
No. There isn't a transition period. The Manufacturing Assessment System (MAS) is available to access historical filings only. A filer may choose to submit a paper return by mail. It will be processed accordingly as long as it is on the 2023 DOR prescribed form; no prior year forms will be accepted.
DOR encourages e-filing since the data is stored in MTA with 24/7 access. E-filed returns help speed up and simplify the filing process for future returns since some assessment data is carried over from one tax year to another.
- Will the state mail out hardcopy original forms requiring original (wet) signatures?
Paper forms will not be mailed. Paper forms require an original (wet) signature. The forms are available to download on our website. If you would like to have a hard copy of the form mailed, please contact the district office in your area.
- How do I print a copy of my manufacturing assessment return in My Tax Account (MTA)?
To print a copy of your submitted manufacturing assessment return, go to 'File/View Returns' located across from your manufacturing account on MTA's home page. In MTA, click "View or Amend Return" for the filing period you'd like to print, then select "Print" in the top-right corner of the next screen. A PDF of the return opens in a separate tab. If you experience viewing and/or printing issues, see Troubleshooting.