If you no longer need Avalara to file a specific sales tax return, you can expire that return in Managed Returns. This article walks you through the steps to expire a return, explains what happens after you stop it, and covers timing requirements.
Quick answer
- Go to Returns > View and add returns in the Avalara web app, select the Return settings icon next to the return you want to stop, and choose Stop filing this return.
- Select the final filing period you want Avalara to complete, then save your changes.
- Expired returns move to the Expired tab and cannot be reactivated; if you need to file again later, you must set up a new return.
- Make the change by the last day of the month before you want it to take effect.
Who this applies to
This process applies to returns filed through Avalara Managed Returns in the Avalara web app. If you use Avalara Returns for Accountants, the process differs and involves changing the company status to Inactive, No reporting, or Not yet filing.
When to expire a return
Expire a return when your business no longer has a filing obligation in a jurisdiction. Common reasons include closing nexus in a state, transferring to a different filing frequency that requires a new return setup, or consolidating multiple returns.
Some states require you to set up a new return when your filing frequency changes. In those cases, you expire the original return and schedule a new one with the updated frequency.
Steps to stop filing a return
Follow these steps to expire a return in Avalara Managed Returns:
From Avalara Home, go to Returns > View and add returns.
Under the Active tab, locate the return you want to stop filing.
Select the Return settings icon next to that return.
On the Return settings page, select Stop filing this return.
If Avalara has not filed the return yet, the button will read Cancel this return instead.
In the popup window, select the final filing period you want Avalara to complete.
Select Save final filing period to confirm your choice.
Select Save on the Return settings page to finalize the change.
What happens after you expire a return
Once you expire a return, it moves from the Active tab to the Expired tab. Avalara will file the return for the final period you selected, then stop all future filings for that form.
You cannot reactivate or unexpire a return. If your filing obligations change and you need to resume filing in the same jurisdiction, you must set up a new return following the standard return setup process.
If you set up a new return for the same form while an older version is still active, Avalara automatically expires the old return during the first filing period of the new one.
Timing requirements
Make changes to your filing schedule by the last day of the month before you want the change to take effect. For example, if you want Avalara to stop filing a return starting in March, expire it by the last day of February.
If you miss the deadline, Avalara may still file the return for the next period according to the existing schedule.
| Action | When it appears | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Stop filing this return | For returns Avalara has filed at least once | Sets a final filing period and expires the return |
| Cancel this return | For returns set up but not yet filed | Removes the return before the first filing |
Both actions move the return to the Expired tab and prevent future filings.
If you need to file again
Because you cannot unexpire a return, resuming filings in the same jurisdiction requires you to set up a new return. Follow the standard return setup process and configure all required details, including filing frequency, filing method, company information, and locations.
Set up your new return by the 20th of the month of your first filing period. For example, if you want to resume filing for January 2026, set up the return by January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Common issues when expiring returns
You cannot find the return you want to expire: Check the Active tab in View and add returns to confirm the return is still active. If it has already been expired or canceled, it will appear under the Expired tab.
The filing frequency you need is not available: Open a support case with Avalara and attach state-provided documentation confirming the new frequency. Avalara will review the documentation and, if the frequency is supported, make it available for selection. In most cases, you will still need to expire the original return and set up a new one.
You need to expire a return with assigned locations: If your return has locations assigned and you try to update the filing frequency, Avalara will report an error. Expire the original return and set up a new return with the required filing frequency and location assignments.
Expert tip: Check the Expired tab to confirm expiration
After you save your changes, verify that the return moved to the Expired tab under Returns > View and add returns. The return moves immediately after you save, confirming Avalara will stop filing after your selected final period.
How Galvix can help with filing compliance
Tracking nexus obligations, managing registration changes, and setting up returns on time across multiple jurisdictions requires ongoing attention. Missing a deadline can create penalties or filing gaps.
Galvix is a managed sales tax compliance service. Galvix's compliance team handles nexus monitoring, state registrations, monthly filing, and notice management on your behalf. Every customer has an assigned compliance manager who owns the account. You review and approve each return from your dashboard, but the compliance work is done by Galvix's team.
If you want a team to own your sales tax compliance process, book a demo to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I undo expiring a return after I save it?
No. Once you expire a return, you cannot reactivate it. If you need to file again in the same jurisdiction, you must set up a new return from scratch.
What happens to returns Avalara has already filed?
Avalara will continue to file the return through the final filing period you select when you expire it. All previously filed returns remain on record and can be downloaded from the View and add returns screen.
Do I need to notify the state when I stop filing?
Avalara does not notify the state on your behalf when you expire a return. If you are closing your sales tax registration, contact the state directly to confirm final filing requirements and close your account.
How long does it take for a return to move to the Expired tab?
The return moves to the Expired tab immediately after you save your changes. Avalara will still file the return for the final period you selected, but no new filings will be prepared after that.
Can I stop filing a Streamlined Sales Tax return?
Yes, you can expire SST returns the same way you expire other returns. However, you cannot change the filing frequency for SST returns, which must be filed monthly.
What to do next
If you need to close your sales tax registration in a state, contact that state's tax authority to confirm final filing requirements and formally close your account. If you plan to resume filing later, schedule a new return by the 20th of the month of your first filing period.
