File a Return and Make a Contribution for PFML

This step-by-step page and video will show you how to file a return and make a contribution for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) using MassTaxConnect.

Updated: June 29, 2023

What you need

• Information about each W2 employee or 1099-MISC independent contractor included in the return
• The Social Security Number or ITIN for each employee
• The first and last name of each employee or contractor
• The wages for employee or contractor

Step-by-step video

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Step-by-step instructions

Log in to MassTaxConnect.

1. Once you have logged in, let’s start by locating the "Paid Family and Medical Leave" panel under the “Summary” tab.
    
2. The most recent period due is shown on the upper right-hand side of the panel, select the "File Now" link if that is the return you want to file. Earlier periods can be filed by selecting the “View Returns” hyperlink in the lower panel. 
    
3. Enter a Social Security Number or ITIN, First Name and Last Name for each employee and indicate if any are Independent Contractors by selecting 1099-MISC. Select "Opt in" if the individual is self-employed and opting into the program.  Enter year to date wages for each employee, and then enter their wages for the current quarter.  Unless the employer is choosing to pay a percentage of the employee's required contribution, leave the Medical and Family Leave contribution allocations set to 40 and 100, respectively.  To allocate a percentage of the employee contribution to the employer, select SET ALL MEDICAL % and SET ALL FAMILY %. Once you have finished, click Next.
    
4. Verify that all the information you entered is correct, then click Next.
    
5. Select the way you would like to pay. In this example, we will choose to make an electronic payment from your checking or savings account.
    
6. Select your bank account type, enter your bank's routing number, account number, and then confirm your account number. Select whether or not you would like to save this payment information for future use and then confirm your payment amount. Click Next.
    
7. Once you have verified that your return and payment information and amount are correct, click Submit.
    

You have now filed your Paid Family and Medical Leave return and made a payment.

How to verify your PFML account with a partial contribution

In order to verify your employer account and approve claims in our system, you will need to have filed a return and made a contribution for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).

If you are a Massachusetts employer, you have 30 days after the quarter ends to file. If you currently have a $0 balance, you can file a partial amount with the Department of Revenue (DOR) in order to activate your account for verification.  

Important: You cannot file a $0 partial return in order to verify your PFML account. If your employees get denied due to a lack of wages, instruct them to appeal.

Once complete, your return should be posted within 1-2 business days. At that time, you can verify your account.

There are two ways you can contribute to your account:

1. The Tax Admin in charge of your MassTaxAccount will need to log in and follow these directions, as outlined above.

2. The Tax Admin in charge of your account can call the Department of Revenue at [phone].

In order to get started, you will need:

• Information about each employee or independent contractor included in the return
• The Social Security Number or ITIN for each employee
• The first and last name of each employee or contractor
• The wages for the employee or contractor

All PFML step-by-step videos and instructions (DOR)

• How to Register for Paid Family and Medical Leave Contributions

• How to File a Return and Remit a Contribution for Paid Family and Medical Leave

• How to Opt in and Contribute to Paid Family and Medical Leave as a Self-Employed Individual

• How to Upload an Excel Spreadsheet When Filing a Tax Return on MassTaxConnect

• How to Request a Paid Family and Medical Leave Exemption

Contact

For all further questions regarding applying for a Private Plan Exemption or registering your account on MassTaxConnect, please contact DOR at [phone] to speak to a PFML representative.