Maine's Revenue Services published their MEETRS File Formatting Specifications for Electronic Transmittal of Quarterly Income Tax Withholding for 2018. Beginning in 2018 the MEETRS application will support the filing of amended withholding returns. Form 941A-ME has been eliminated and incorporated into Form 941 ME. The following withholding file layout changes are effective beginning first quarter 2018:
• E record:
o Position 173 – Schedule 2 waiver. Field indicates that Maine Revenue Services has granted a waiver from the requirement to submit quarterly payee withholding data.
o Position 174 – Close account . Field indicates a final return filing and that the Maine withholding account is to be closed.
• T record
o Position 13 – Schedule 2 waiver. Field must match E record position 173. System edit in place.
o Position 14 – Close account. Field must match E record position 174. System edit in place.
o Field position 123 – 133 changed to 123-136.
o Field position 134-174 changed to 137-174.
o Field position 175-185 changed to 175-188.
o Field position 186-212 changed to 189-212.
Unlike in previous years, amended returns will be accepted in addition to original returns. As a result, duplicate withholding account ID numbers will be allowed for amended return filings.
Finally, further information regarding system edits which may cause the MEETRS upload system to reject a file have been added to Appendix D.
To view the Quarterly Withholding Specifications, please follow the link.
