How Tennessee businesses should use TNTAP to register, file and manage tax accounts

During the webinar Billy Trout and Jeremy Cain gave a step-by-step overview of TNTAP, the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s online portal for registering tax accounts, filing returns and remitting payments.

Jeremy Cain described TNTAP as the department’s central e-file/pay system and advised that every taxpayer should have master access to their account. He explained the master user role and said it allows businesses to create additional user IDs, manage permissions, and revoke access for third parties such as CPAs. "That master access gives you a good ability ... to control ... who has access to what," Cain said.

The presenters showed TNTAP screens and emphasized common tasks available in the portal: registering new tax accounts (sales tax, business tax, franchise & excise if applicable), viewing and filing returns, making payments, amending filed returns, and accessing certificates of registration. They highlighted the action center and message/letter features that list notices and outstanding items.

Trout and Cain also described TNTAP support features: an on‑screen TNTAP assistant chat box for quick answers and routing questions to staff, an "additional actions" menu that includes a petition for penalty waiver, and guidance for granting third‑party access. For third parties to gain access, the presenters recommended providing the CPA with the certificate of registration that shows account IDs, letter IDs and ZIP code to ensure proper onboarding.

They cautioned that closing a business requires direct action in TNTAP (or email/call to the Department) and cannot be completed solely through a county or city clerk. Trout warned that failure to close accounts and file final returns can lead to proposed assessments and collections steps.

For help with TNTAP and account issues the presenters reiterated the department contacts: email revenue.support@tn.gov and the call center at 615-253-0600 (franchise/excise specialists at 615-253-0700). They encouraged businesses to use the portal to avoid late‑filing penalties and to keep account contact information current.