GovConnectIowa Help

• General Navigation (6 minutes)
• Creating Your GovConnectIowa Logon (8 minutes)
• Overview of Features & Functions (4 minutes)
• Request Access to Tax Accounts (5 minutes)
• Adding and Managing Third Parties (11 minutes)
• TY2022 Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) (10 minutes)
• File a Return (10 minutes)
• Making a Logged in Payment (4 minutes)
• Making an Invoice Payment (7 minutes)
• Set up a Payment Agreement (4 minutes)
• Consolidated Filers - Permit Locations (11 minutes)
• Consolidated Filers - Filing a Return (14 minutes)
• Send a Message (6 minutes)
• Waiting for access to your tax accounts? Learn how to Make a Quick Payment (4 minutes)

Missed the most recent webinar? Watch a recording of New & Updated GovConnectIowa Features.

View More Questions

What if I haven’t received the access code letter?

Your client may need to update their records with the Iowa Department of Revenue. We recommend updating the address through GovConnectIowa; however, if you are not connected to the tax account, an authorized representative may update the address by submitting the Iowa Business Tax Change (92-033) or contacting the Iowa Department of Revenue.

What do I need to register for tax permits using GovConnectIowa?

Before starting the registration process with the Iowa Department of Revenue, you must have specific information about your business:

• Legal name, location, and mailing address of the business
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• NAICS code
• Name, address, and social security number of all managing owners, partners, or officers
• Contact email address and phone number

What is the bank filter number for payments submitted in GovConnectIowa?

If your bank requires the Iowa Department of Revenue's Bank Filter (Company-ID), it is 9426004574 for payments submitted in GovConnectIowa.

I paid on time, why does my payment show it's late?

All first time payments submitted through GovConnectIowa are required to be verified with the taxpayer's bank to ensure compliance with banking industry rules. The verification process can take up to 5 business days before the payment is applied to the tax liability, and may cause a balance due. This may result in penalty and interest, which will be automatically removed once the payment has been successfully applied.

What type of permit do I need?

Visit the Starting a Business page to learn more.

Sign up for GovConnectIowa

On GovConnectIowa, businesses, government agencies and individuals are able to access new and existing accounts to file returns, make payments, communicate with the Iowa Department of Revenue, review and respond to correspondence, manage their account information, and more.

What do I do?

1. Go to GovConnectIowa
2. Select Create a Logon
3. Follow the screen prompts to begin creating your account
4. Once the logon has been created, the user will be able to log in using their new user account information

GovConnectIowa logons are created at an individual level. Each user should have their own logon credentials.

Getting started with access

In order to access all of the available features on GovConnectIowa, you must be connected to a tax account. You will be prompted to request an access code when creating your GovConnectIowa logon and can request more after creating your logon.

The access code will be mailed to the taxpayer’s headquarters or primary address on file. Access codes expire 90 days from the date on the letter.

To request an access code:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Select Request Access to an Account and follow the prompts on the screen to complete the request process
3. A letter with an access code will be mailed to the headquarter's or primary mailing address

To enter the access code:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Select Enter an Access Code to Connect to an Account and follow the on-screen prompts
3. Once the access code has been validated, you can navigate to the GovConnectIowa homepage and begin managing the tax accounts

Add, manage, or revoke online access to a tax professional

A third party representative may request access to your tax account(s) in GovConnectIowa. You can also grant them immediate access after you have created a logon and connected to your tax account(s).

To grant another logon GovConnectIowa access to your tax account(s):

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab, GovConnectIowa Access section, and select Manage Other Users with Access to this Customer
3. Select Add a New Logon With Access To This Customer

Note: If the individual has an existing GovConnectIowa account, they must provide their associated email address and username in order for you to complete this request.

The Department recommends periodically reviewing your access settings to ensure appropriate access is granted to the right parties.

To manage access to your tax account(s):

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account.
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab, GovConnectIowa Access section, and select Manage Other Users with Access to this Customer
3. Select the username/logon you would like to change access
4. Click the Access tab
5. Select the Access Type (Full Access, Administrator, Other Party Administrator, etc.)
6. Select the Access Type again
7. Change the access type

Note: Full Access can only be removed by the user canceling their access via GovConnectIowa, the user deleting their GovConnectIowa profile, or removed by Iowa Department of Revenue staff.

To revoke access to your tax account(s):

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab, GovConnectIowa Access section, and select Manage Other Users with Access to this Customer.
3. Select the username/logon you would like to revoke access
4. Click the Access tab
5. Select the Access Type (Full Access, Administrator, Other Party Administrator, etc.)
6. Select Cancel Access

Note: Full Access can only be removed by the user canceling their access via GovConnectIowa, the user deleting their GovConnectIowa profile, or removed by Iowa Department of Revenue staff.

What is a logon?

A logon is the combination of a username and password that allows a user to sign in to GovConnectIowa. One taxpayer can have multiple logons. When multiple employees are responsible for managing a company's tax accounts on GovConnectIowa, each employee should have his or her own GovConnectIowa logon.

Special types of GovConnectIowa logons:

Additional Logon 
A GovConnectIowa user with Full Access or Administrator access can grant immediate online access to other GovConnectIowa users by logging in and navigating to the GovConnectIowa Access section.

Secondary Logon 
A GovConnectIowa user with Other Party Administrator access can create secondary logons for employees. The set of accounts and account types that are accessible can be configured by the Other Party Administrator.

What are the access types?

Full Access provides the GovConnectIowa user with full, unlimited access to the tax accounts. This user can grant, manage, and revoke online access to most users associated with the tax accounts. Full Access can only be removed by the user canceling their access via GovConnectIowa, the user deleting their GovConnectIowa profile, or removed by Iowa Department of Revenue staff. Individuals gaining access to their own, personal individual income tax accounts are granted Full Access.

Administrator provides the GovConnectIowa user with access to the tax accounts to file returns, make payments, and more. This user can grant access to others and manage Other Party users. This logon can be managed by users with Full Access.

Other Party Administrator is intended for third party users such as a tax professional, accountant, or other third party representative.

Cancel my online access

If you cancel your online access, you will have to create a new username and password to access your tax accounts through GovConnectIowa.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Settings tab
3. Click Cancel Access to the right of the intended customer or account

Note: If you cancel your online access, you will NOT be able to reactivate your access.

Can I reactivate my online access?

If you cancel your online access, you will NOT be able to reactivate your access.

Note: An active logon with Full Access or Administrator access has the ability to grant immediate to other GovConnectIowa users.

Add/revoke other logons

A GovConnectIowa user with Full Access or Administrator access can grant immediate online access to other GovConnectIowa users.

How do I add other logons?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To... tab
3. Under the GovConnectIowa Access section, click Manage Other Users With Access to This Customer
4. Select Add a New Logon With Access to This Customer to get started

Note: If the individual has an existing GovConnectIowa account, they must provide their associated email address and username in order for you to complete this request.

How do I revoke other logons?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To... tab
3. Under the GovConnectIowa Access section, click Manage Other Users With Access to This Customer
4. Select the logon you wish to revoke
5. Click the Access tab
6. Select the Access Type (Administrator, Other Party Administrator)
7. Click Cancel Access

Note: Full Access can only be removed by the user canceling their access via GovConnectIowa, the user deleting their GovConnectIowa profile, or removed by Iowa Department of Revenue staff.

Change the access type of a logon

To manage the access type of other logons, you must have Full Access or Administrator access.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To... tab
3. Under the GovConnectIowa Access panel, click Manage Other Users With Access to This Customer
4. Select the username
5. Select the Access tab
6. Click the Access Type (Administrator, Other Party Administrator, etc.)
7. Click the Access Type again
8. From the drop-down menu, select the new Access Type
9. Click Save

Note: Full Access can only be removed by the user canceling their access via GovConnectIowa, the user deleting their GovConnectIowa profile, or removed by Iowa Department of Revenue staff. Individuals gaining access to their own, personal individual income tax accounts are granted Full Access.

Register a new business

Starting a business in Iowa is an exciting opportunity. GovConnectIowa, the Iowa Department of Revenue, and our partner agencies can help you register to pay business related taxes, get alcohol or tobacco-related permits/licenses and understand your responsibilities regarding state taxes.

Any entity that conducts business within Iowa may be required to register for one or more tax specific identification numbers, permits, and/or licenses. Online registration is available through GovConnectIowa, a secure, online self-service portal.

Getting Started

Before starting the registration process with the Iowa Department of Revenue, you must have specific information about your business:

• Legal name, location, and mailing address of the business
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• NAICS code
• Name, address, and social security number of all managing owners, partners, or officers
• Contact e-mail address and phone number

Visit Register an Iowa Business Permit to learn more.

What do you do?

1. Create a GovConnectIowa account
2. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
3. Select Register a New Business to get started
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the business registration

Manage Permit Locations

You are able to add, close, view, or update permit locations on GovConnectIowa. When adding a new location under the Manage Permit Locations section, this means it will be filed on the same tax return as your current locations. If you plan to file separate tax returns for multiple locations or businesses, you must add a tax account for each location or business.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Accounts tab and select Add, Update, or Close Locations
3. Choose the appropriate link to complete the desired action

Cease a Tax Account

When accounts are no longer in use, they can be ceased. When an account is ceased, it is canceled on all GovConnectIowa user accounts. Once an account is ceased, this action cannot be reversed and the user must apply for a new tax permit if needed.

You must have access to the business account on GovConnectIowa in order to cease the account.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Accounts tab and select Close or Cease a Tax Account
3. Follow the screen prompts to cease the tax account

Names and addresses

Add/Edit a name

You may update the Legal Name and Doing Business as (DBA) Names after connecting to your tax account(s) on GovConnectIowa. Business name changes only apply to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

To change a Doing Business As (DBA) Name:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab and select Manage Names & Addresses under Names & Addresses
3. Select Add or the previous DBA Name
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to change the DBA Name

Note: To delete a DBA name, follow the steps above and choose the current DBA name. Select Delete this name.

To change the Legal Name:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab and select Request Legal Name Change under Names & Addresses
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to request a legal name change

Add/edit an address

On GovConnectIowa, you may use the Manage Names and Addresses section to update your address with the Iowa Department of Revenue. The Address tab lists all addresses associated with the customer.

You are able to make changes by clicking the Add link or an existing mailing address.

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab and select Manage Names & Addresses under Names & Addresses
3. Click Add or the existing mailing address
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the address update

Note: Address changes only apply to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

General navigation

Using the “back” link and GovConnectIowa Home link

The “back” action link is located at the top of the page and is indicated with the '<' character. This breadcrumb link will have text that describes the previous page you were working on and will take you back to that page when you click it. If you are interested in getting back to your starting page, you can click the home icon at the top of the page.

Search for drafts or submissions

You can search for drafts and submissions submitted through GovConnectIowa. Submissions are requests or forms you submitted through GovConnectIowa. Common examples include returns and payments.

Submissions older than 12 months can be found using the search.

Drafts will expire 30-45 (depending on the submission type) days after being saved as a draft. You will receive an email notification 3 days before the draft is discarded from GovConnectIowa.

Logged-in users:

1. Log in to GovConnectIowa
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab and view the Quick Links section
3. Click Search Drafts & Submissions

Any online submissions will be available here. Use the Search feature to view submissions based on a specific date range.

Non-logged in users:

1. Go to GovConnectIowa
2. Navigate to the Additional Services section and click Find a Draft or Submission
3. Enter the Email Address and Confirmation Code associated with the submission

Note: A confirmation email was sent to the email address used to submit the request. Check your junk inbox if you are unable to locate the email.

Tabs

The page you see after you sign into your account has four tabs:

1. The Accounts tab houses the most important information all in one place. It has a list detailing each account that has currently been added to your GovConnectIowa logon with links to file or view returns, make payments on those accounts, and any other special interactions with that account.
2. The Action Center tab lists all the current actions that GovConnectIowa expects you need to take. These actions are separated out by account and include a direct link to the action, so you do not have to search for it elsewhere.
3. The Settings tab lists the security access that you have for each of the accounts tied to your logon as well as your overall access and mail delivery preferences.
4. The I Want To... tab contains many different actions separated into sections. Here you can access tax accounts, manage payments, view correspondence, manage third party authorization, and more.

Keyboard shortcuts

If you prefer to use the keyboard rather than the mouse, there are several keyboard shortcuts that are available:

• Tab key
• Moves forward to the next field on the page
• Shift + Tab
• Moves to the previous field on the page
• Enter the first letter
• When you are selecting an item from a drop-down menu, type the first letter of the item you want. When you do this, GovConnectIowa automatically selects the first entry in the menu that begins with that letter. Press the down arrow key to move to any subsequent entries that begin with that letter.
• Alt + Left-Arrow Key
• Returns you to the last window you visited. You can press this key combination multiple times to move several windows back through the sequence of windows you have visited.

Filtering

Filters appear in a variety of places on GovConnectIowa. When there are many results on a page, the system often automatically generates a filter bar at the top of those results. Most of the time, typing the exact information you are searching for will filter the data to that information, if it exists.

What's an ID?

As you navigate through the various tasks on GovConnectIowa, you may be asked for various IDs. See the definitions below for more information.

• Location Number: Location Numbers are unique 9-digit numbers used to track the activity at a taxpayer’s location. Taxpayers with consolidated tax accounts will have a location number for each of their locations.
• IDR ID: The IDR ID is a 10-digit identification number that the Iowa Department of Revenue assigned to taxpayers, service providers, and 3rd party transmitters after November 15, 2021. This number can be viewed on GovConnectIowa or on correspondence sent by the Department after November 15, 2021.
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN): This is a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) that is assigned by the IRS.
• Social Security Number (SSN): This is the Social Security Number (SSN) that is issued to individuals by the federal government. It is 9 digits long.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS.
• Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN): A Preparer Tax Identification Number is an identification number issued by the IRS for tax preparers.
• Letter ID: A letter ID is a unique number that is printed on all correspondence from the Iowa Department of Revenue. The letter ID is displayed in the following format: L1234567890.

File a Return

You can file business permit tax returns through GovConnectIowa.

Individual income, corporate income, franchise, and composite tax returns must be filed electronically through a service provider (MeF) or by paper.

View the [File a Return] video tutorial.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Accounts tab
3. Select File, Amend, or View Returns
4. Select File Now
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to file the return

Making a payment does not equate to filing a return.

• Use File, Amend, or View Returns to submit returns
• Use Make a Payment to make estimated payments and pay outstanding balances

Amend a Return

You can amend tax returns filed on GovConnectIowa.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. On the Accounts tab, select File, Amend, or View Returns
3. Locate the return that needs to be amended and select View or Amend Return
4. In the top right corner, select Amend to continue
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to submit your amended return

Filing a single return for a permit with multiple locations

Some Iowa tax types are consolidated, meaning that all activity for that tax is filed under one account number regardless of how many locations the business has in Iowa. If you are filing a consolidated tax return, each location’s return information must be completed before the return can be submitted.

When all locations have been reported, someone must submit the return on behalf of all locations. Otherwise, the return will not be submitted to the Department. Any person authorized to enter location filing details may also complete the final submission step for the business. All locations must be complete without errors in order to submit the return. If the final submission is after the due date, the entire balance (sum of all locations) is subject to penalty and interest.

Return due date falls on a weekend or holiday

If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday as defined in Iowa code 421.9A, then the due date is the following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

Print submitted returns

Only returns submitted through GovConnectIowa can be printed online. Taxpayers can print the return right after filing or by going to the period that the return was filed.

After filing your return, you can print the confirmation. The confirmation will have a summary page with your confirmation number and date received. Below the summary page, you will see a detailed version of your return.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Accounts tab
3. Select View, File, or Amend Returns next to the associated account
4. Select View or Amend Return
5. Select Print

To print returns filed outside of GovConnectIowa, contact your tax preparer or software provider for further assistance.

Request a copy of a tax return

Return transcripts are not available on GovConnectIowa. To request a copy of your tax return, complete the IA 4506 Request for Copy of Tax Return 95-504.

Renew a Household Hazardous Permit (HHM)

You can renew an HHM permit by creating a GovConnectIowa logon and requesting access to your Household Hazardous Materials permit. You will need your Account ID and IDR ID. If you are already connected to your HHM account, visit the Action Center to renew your permit.

Contact the Iowa Department of Revenue for questions regarding:

• Obtaining a new HHM permit
• Permit fees
• Business address or name change
• Canceling a permit

If you are questioning if you need an HHM permit or you have a question about the HHM Retailers Consumer Education Program, contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-725-8200.

Make a payment

You can make payments electronically through GovConnectIowa. Making a payment does not equate to filing a return.

• Use File, Amend, or View Returns to submit returns
• Use Make a Payment to make estimated payments and pay outstanding balances

For non-logged in users:

1. Go to GovConnectIowa
2. Select Make a Payment
3. Select Make a Quick Payment
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to make a payment

Note: Make a Quick Payment should only be used to submit tax payments to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

For logged-in users:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Accounts tab
3. Select Make a Payment
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to make a payment

Payment options

Use GovConnectIowa to make a payment online.

• Pay directly from a bank account
• This option allows funds to be electronically withdrawn from your bank account using your bank routing number and your bank account number. There is no fee to use this service.
• Pay by credit card
• A service fee will be charged by the credit card processing vendor. This service fee is retained by the vendor and is not revenue to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Are there any other payment options?

If you choose to mail your tax payment:

• Make checks payable to the Iowa Department of Revenue
• [Print a payment voucher] through GovConnectIowa
• Do not send cash through the mail
• Do not use staples or paper clips to affix your payment to your voucher or return
• Mail your payment to the address listed on the letter or instructions

Make sure your check includes the following information:

• Your name and address
• Account number or employer identification number
• Tax year or period
• Related tax form or notice number

The mailing address is located on the letter or voucher received from the Department.

Print a payment voucher

If you prefer to pay by sending us a check or money order instead of paying through GovConnectIowa, there is an option to print a payment voucher after you file your return. All checks and money orders must be mailed with a payment voucher.

What do I do?

1. Go to GovConnectIowa
2. Select Make a Payment
3. Select Print Payment Voucher
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to create the payment voucher

Payments made by taxpayers outside of the United States

Taxpayers who live outside of the United States can submit credit card payments through GovConnectIowa or ACH payments through the bank. If submitting an ACH payment through GovConnectIowa, the payment must be made through a bank located in the United States.

GovConnectIowa debit block

ACH debit blocks are set up with a bank to protect bank account(s) from unauthorized electronic charges. If you or your business have an ACH debit block set up on your banking account, you must provide your bank with the Department’s Company ID to make payments using GovConnectIowa.

What do I do?

• Contact your bank and provide the Department’s Company ID: 9426004574.

If you don't provide your bank with the Department’s Company-ID, your bank will reject the payment.

If your payment is rejected, you may receive a bill for the amount due, including any applicable penalty and interest. If you are unsure about whether you have a debit block on your bank account, please contact your financial institution.

Payment posted to an incorrect account or filing period

Contact the Iowa Department of Revenue for assistance with payments posted to an incorrect account or filing period.

If you are contacting us on behalf of someone other than yourself, you will need to have third party authorization, such as a Power of Attorney, on file to discuss account details with a specialist.

Delete a pending payment

You can delete an online payment as long as it has not been processed yet. A taxpayer cannot change or cancel a payment made by credit card after it is submitted.

To delete a payment:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the I Want To… tab and click Search Drafts & Submissions
3. You can cancel or change anything listed under the Pending tab by clicking the request, then selecting Continue Editing or Delete

Note: If the payment was submitted when filing the return, you must go into the return submission, select Continue Editing and manually change the payment selection from Pay Now to Pay Later and resubmit the return.

Manage payment methods

You can manage your bank accounts used to make payments online in GovConnectIowa. Once a payment method is added, the method will be available for all of your accounts.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Go to Manage My Profile, I Want To…, and select Manage Payment Methods
3. Select Setup New Payment Method to add the banking information
4. Follow the steps to complete the submission process

Note: Once the payment information is saved, you can save this as your default option. To clear the default, select Clear Default.

Letters

Opt-in or opt-out of paperless mail

Paperless mail allows you to receive most correspondence electronically to your GovConnectIowa account. Individual Income tax accounts cannot opt-in to paperless mail delivery at this time.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the Settings tab
3. Click the Paper or Paperless link next to Mail Delivery
4. Select the preferred option and click Submit

View letters/mail

The Department will contact you if additional information is needed. Most letters and notices are posted electronically to your GovConnectIowa account.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the I Want To... tab and locate the Correspondence section. A link to your letter inbox will be shown in the Action Center if new letters are available
3. Select View Letters. Unread letters are bolded
4. To open a letter, click the title of the letter link. A new browser tab or window should appear with your letter in PDF format

Respond to a letter

You can save time, money and effort by uploading requested documents directly to GovConnectIowa. Not all letters are eligible for an online reply.

What do I do?

1. From the GovConnectIowa home screen, click Respond to a Letter
2. Enter the Letter ID and Letter Date
3. Complete the on-screen prompts to respond to a letter

Problems viewing letters?

If you are unable to view letters in GovConnectIowa, check the following:

• Your computer can view PDFs
• Pop-ups are enabled in your browser

I received a letter. Is it legitimate?

If you are concerned the letter is not legitimate, you can verify by using the Respond to a Letter feature on GovConnectIowa.

The Iowa Department of Revenue works to safeguard you from identity theft, fraud, and errors. If we suspect someone is trying to steal your identity or commit fraud, or there's an error on your tax return, we will:

• Notify you by mail
• Ask you to verify your identity

Messages

View Messages

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the I Want To... tab and locate the Correspondence section. A link to your message inbox will be shown in the Action Center if new messages are available
3. Select View Messages. Unread messages are bolded
4. To open a message, click the Subject link

Send a Message

Messages are addressed in the order received. Please refrain from sending multiple messages about this subject as it may delay response time. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response.

Visit our Common Questions to see if your question has already been answered.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the I Want To... tab and locate the Correspondence section. A link to your message inbox will be shown in the Action Center if new messages are available
3. Select Send a Message
4. Select the Account Type or This message doesn't concern a specific account
5. Complete your message, including a subject, body, or an attachment - similar to an email
6. When your message is ready to send, click Submit

Reply to a Message

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the I Want To... tab and locate the Correspondence section. A link to your message inbox will be shown in the Action Center if new messages are available
3. Select View Messages
4. Click the Subject link
5. Click the Reply link

Messages are addressed in the order received. Please refrain from sending multiple messages about this subject as it may delay response time. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response.

Archive/Restore a Message

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the I Want To... tab and locate the Correspondence section. A link to your message inbox will be shown in the Action Center if new messages are available
3. Select View Messages
4. Click the Subject link
5. Click the Archive/Restore link

Update My Profile

Change my email address

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the Manage My Profile link in the top right corner
3. From the Profile tab, click Change Email
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to change your email address

Change my password

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the Manage My Profile link in the top right corner
3. From the Profile tab, click Change Password
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to change your password

Reset a password

Go to GovConnectIowa and select Forgot Password? Enter the username associated with your account. If the information you provided matches our records, you will receive a link to reset your password.

Password requirements

Passwords will expire after 18 months. You will be prompted when it's time to change your password.

GovConnectIowa passwords must meet the following criteria:

• Cannot be reused;
• Cannot be your username or email address;
• Must be 8-16 characters long;
• Must contain at least one uppercase letter;
• Must contain at least one number;
• Must contain at least one special character (!@#$%)

Change my phone number

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the Manage My Profile link in the top right corner
3. From the Profile tab, click Edit Phone Number
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to change your phone number

Change my secret question/answer

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Click the Manage My Profile link in the top right corner
3. From the Profile tab, click Update Your Secret Question
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to change your secret question/answer

View Support ID

View Support ID provides a number which can be given to a customer service representative for help with GovConnectIowa screens. With the Support ID number, the representative will be able to remotely view your GovConnectIowa session.

To access this support option, click the Question Mark icon and select View Support ID. A 6-digit support number will be generated, which you can give to the customer service representative.

Browsers that support GovConnectIowa

The Department recommends downloading the latest version of your preferred web browser. Using the latest version is important in keeping your information secure and your data private. Updates to browsers are often made to fix security issues. If you are using an older version, you are increasing the risk that your financial data could be exploited.

GovConnectIowa works best with the most recent versions of these browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari

Determine your current browser

Most browsers will have a Help or Settings menu near the top right of the browser window. Inside this menu, you may see an option that starts with "About". Click this menu option. You will generally see the type and version of browser here.

Enable pop-ups in my browser

Some actions in GovConnectIowa require pop-ups to be enabled in your browser. For example, viewing letters or printing a return will require a new browser window or tab to open.

Install Adobe Reader

You will need a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader to view and print letters and returns. All other functions on GovConnectIowa are accessible through your web browser and do not require any additional software.

Change browser font size

In some browsers, you may be able to change the font size on your screen. If your browser supports this functionality, you can press and hold down the Ctrl key and then use the scroll wheel on your mouse to adjust the font size on your screen. Your browser may also support its own functions for zooming in and out.

File types for attachments

GovConnectIowa accepts a variety of file types when uploading documentation. If there are specific formatting requirements, they will be listed on the document upload screen.

Two-step verification

The Iowa Department of Revenue requires users to utilize the two-step verification method to access GovConnectIowa. Customers must choose their preferred two-step verification method when logging in to GovConnectIowa. You will be asked to provide a unique security code each time you log in to GovConnectIowa.

The three methods include:

• An authentication app
• Text message
• Email

A third party is an accountant, tax preparer, or payroll service provider that manages taxes for the taxpayer.

A third party should use their own GovConnectIowa logon to manage tax accounts; they should not ask for their clients' usernames and passwords.

What is a logon?

A logon is the combination of a username and password that allows a user to sign in to GovConnectIowa. One taxpayer can have multiple logons. When multiple employees are responsible for managing a company's tax accounts on GovConnectIowa, each employee should have his or her own GovConnectIowa logon.

Obtain Other Party Administrator access to an account

What is an Other Party Administrator?

This access type is intended for third party users such as a tax professional, accountant, family member, or other third party representative.

If you are connected to more than one client as an Other Party access type, you will receive access to the Accountant Center.

What do I do?

There are two pathways to receive access to a clients' tax accounts.

1. You can request access to their tax account
2. Your client can grant immediate access via their own GovConnectIowa account

If you choose to request access, an access code will be mailed to the taxpayer’s headquarters or primary address on file. Access codes expire 90 days from the date on the letter.

To request an access code:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Select Request Access to an Account
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the request process

To enter the access code:

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Select Enter an Access Code to Connect to an Account and follow the on-screen prompts
3. Once the access code has been validated, you can navigate to the GovConnectIowa homepage and begin managing the tax accounts

Cancel my online access

If you cancel your online access, you will have to create a new username and password to access your tax accounts through GovConnectIowa.

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Settings tab
3. Click Cancel Access to the right of the intended customer or account

Note: If you cancel your online access, you will NOT be able to reactivate your access. An active logon with Full Access or Administrator access has the ability to grant immediate to other GovConnectIowa users.

Can I reactivate my online access?

If you cancel your online access, you will NOT be able to reactivate your access.

Note: An active logon with Full Access or Administrator access has the ability to grant immediate to other GovConnectIowa users.

When to use a secondary logon

Secondary logons are designed for third party filers with multiple employees and many clients.

The parent logon can break up their client list into smaller security groups which can be assigned to their secondary logons. This improves security by not having a shared username and password.

Managing secondary logons

What do I do?

1. Log in to your GovConnectIowa account
2. Navigate to the Accountant Center or Manage My Profile
3. Click the Manage Secondary Logons link
4. Select the name of the secondary logon link in the Logons table

You can:

• Resend the logon access email
• Deactivate the logon
• Update the logon's security groups
• Update the logon's accessible account types
• On the Activity tab, review the historical activity for this logon

Creating client security groups for secondary logons

Before creating secondary logons, security groups and client security need to be set up. By default, secondary logons will have access to all customers your have access to.

If you need to limit access to some of your clients, follow these steps:

1. Create customer groups
2. Organize customers into customer groups
3. Update user settings and assign access to appropriate groups

Where do I start?

1. While logged in to GovConnectIowa, click the Accountant Center or Manage My Profile
2. Click the Manage Secondary Logons link in the Access for Employees or Other Parties section

What do I do?

1. From the Manage Secondary Logons link, click the Customer Groups tab
2. Click Add a new customer group. If this is your first time adding a customer group, you should only see the Default customer group populated in the Customer Groups tab
3. Enter a unique name and description for the group and click Save. You should see your newly added security group in the table
4. Navigate to the Customers tab
5. Click the Customer Group name link, select the desired customer group for the client, then click Save. You should see the customer group update in the table to the selected customer group

Note: If many of these updates are to be performed, it may be helpful to review the Filtering topic under Navigation.

Add a secondary logon

Once security groups and client security have been set up, adding secondary logons is straightforward. Each secondary logon can have multiple security groups.

Where do I start?

1. While logged in to GovConnectIowa, click the Accountant Center or Manage My Profile
2. Click the Manage Secondary Logons link in the Access for Employees or Other Parties section

What do I do?

1. From the Manage Secondary Logons link, click Create a New Secondary Logon. Fill in the logon information
2. Click Next. The Access Settings step is shown
3. Select the customer group(s) that you would like this secondary logon to have access to. Then select the specific types of accounts you would like this secondary logon to have access to
4. When ready, click Submit
5. Review the pop-up window information and check the email for the logon for further instructions
6. Click OK
7. Click the Secondary Logons breadcrumb link in the top-left of the page. You should see the newly created logon in the Logons table

What is the Accountant Center?

Use the Accountant Center to view and complete open actions for all clients in one place and share your access with other users.