Understanding Your Filing Frequency
See your filing frequency in the Kintsugi app on the Filings page, learn what each frequency means, and how to request a change with the state.Updated 8 days ago
Your filing frequency is how often a state expects you to file and remit sales tax. The state assigns it, usually based on your sales volume and tax liability, and it can change as your business grows.
You can check your filing frequency yourself in Kintsugi at any time. This article shows you where to find it, what each frequency means, and how to request a change if the state has moved you to a different schedule.
Where to find your filing frequency
Navigation path: Log in to Kintsugi > Filings
On the Filings page (fastest)
Log in to Kintsugi and open the Filings tab from the left side menu.
Look at the Frequency column. Each row is one filing for one jurisdiction and one period, and the Frequency value tells you how often you file there: Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annual, Annual, or another cadence.
If you do not see the Frequency column, open the column control at the right end of the header row and switch it on. Your column choices are saved, so you only need to do this once.
Tip: Check the Filing History tab if you want to see what frequency past periods were filed on. A change in frequency shows up as a change in the Period format, for example monthly periods (April 2026) becoming quarterly ones (Q2 2026).
On the registration record
For U.S. registrations, the filing frequency is also stored on the registration itself.
Open the Registrations tab from the left side menu.
View or edit the registration for that state to see the filing frequency on file.
Click the row to open the side drawer and view the state's full registration details, including the filing frequency on file.
The same field appears on the Import Registration form when you bring an existing state registration into Kintsugi, which is where you tell us the schedule the state already assigned you. Fields vary by state, so not every state form asks for the same details.
Which one should I trust? They describe the same thing. The Filings page is the better day to day answer because it shows the frequency actually being used to generate your returns. If the two ever look different to you, send us a message and we will reconcile it against the state portal.
What each filing frequency means
Frequency | How often you file |
|---|---|
Monthly | Every month. Most common for higher volume accounts. |
Semi-monthly | Twice a month. |
Bi-monthly | Every two months. |
Quarterly | Every three months. |
Quarterly prepayment | Quarterly returns, with prepayments made during the quarter. |
Four monthly | Every four months. |
Semi-annually | Twice a year. |
Annually | Once a year, on the calendar year. |
Annual fiscal year | Once a year, on your fiscal year rather than the calendar year. |
Casual | No fixed schedule. You file only for periods that had taxable activity. Kintsugi maps casual accounts to a regular schedule in the app, usually monthly, so nothing gets missed. |
Casual accounts work differently enough to be worth a read on their own. See How the casual filing frequency works.
How states assign your frequency
You do not choose your filing frequency. The state assigns it when your registration is approved, based on your estimated or actual sales volume and tax liability in that state. Higher volume generally means more frequent filing.
Because every state sets its own thresholds, it is normal to be monthly in one state, quarterly in another, and annual somewhere else, all at the same time. Kintsugi tracks each schedule separately and files on time regardless of the mix.
When your frequency changes
States review accounts periodically and will move you to a different schedule when your volume shifts. When that happens, the state sends a frequency change notice to the address or portal account on file with them, not to Kintsugi.
If you receive one of these notices:
Forward it to us, or upload it, as soon as you can.
Include the state, the new frequency, and the effective date shown on the notice.
We will update the schedule in Kintsugi so your returns are generated on the correct periods from the effective date forward.
Telling us early matters. If the state has moved you to monthly and we are still generating quarterly returns, periods can be reported late. Sending the notice over takes a minute and saves the cleanup.
How to request a filing frequency change
You may want a different schedule if your sales volume has dropped, if you would prefer to file less often, or if the state has already told you your frequency is changing.
Send us a message through the in-app chat or by email with:
The state the request applies to
The frequency you have now and the frequency you want
The reason, for example a drop in sales volume
A copy of any state notice or correspondence about the change
Including all four in the first message is the difference between a same-day answer and a week of back and forth.
What to expect
Frequency changes are approved by the state, not by Kintsugi. We submit and follow up on the request, but the state makes the decision.
Some states only review filing frequency on a set schedule, such as once a year or at the start of a calendar year, so a change may not take effect right away.
Until the state confirms the change, keep filing on your current schedule. Kintsugi will continue generating returns on the existing frequency so nothing is missed in the meantime.
Once the change is approved, we update your registration and your Filings page reflects the new cadence from the effective date.
What Kintsugi handles and what you handle
Kintsugi handles | You handle |
|---|---|
Recording the frequency the state assigned and keeping it on your registration | Forwarding frequency change notices and other state correspondence to us |
Generating returns on the correct periods for each state | Telling us if a state representative directs you to file on a specific schedule |
Submitting and following up on frequency change requests | Confirming account details when we spot a mismatch with the state portal |
Updating your schedule in the app once a change is confirmed | Reviewing your Filings page so you know what is due and when |
FAQs
Q: Where exactly is the Frequency column?
A: On the Filings page, in the filings table, alongside Country, Jurisdiction, Period, Due Date, Total Liability, and Status. If it is hidden, turn it on using the column control at the right end of the header row.
Q: Why is my frequency different in each state?
A: Each state sets its own thresholds and assigns frequency independently, so a mix is normal and expected.
Q: Can I change my own filing frequency in the app?
A: No. The frequency shown in Kintsugi reflects what the state has on file, so it is not directly editable. Send us the request and we will handle it with the state.
Q: The state changed my frequency. Do I need to do anything in Kintsugi?
A: Just send us the notice. We update the schedule for you.
Q: My frequency in Kintsugi does not match what the state portal shows. What now?
A: Send us a message with the state and what the portal shows. We will check it against the state account and correct the record.
Q: Do I still owe a return in a period with no sales?
A: On a regular schedule, usually yes. Most states expect a zero dollar return. Casual accounts are the exception, since they only require a return for periods with taxable activity.
Q: How long does a frequency change take?
A: It depends on the state and where you are in their review cycle. We will keep you updated once the request is submitted.
Related articles
How to Check Filing Schedules and State Filing Activity: how to read the Filings page, including every column and status
How the casual filing frequency works: what a casual frequency means and how Kintsugi maps it
US Sales Tax Registrations Explained: how frequencies are assigned when you register
How To Import Registrations in Kintsugi: bringing an existing state registration, and its frequency, into Kintsugi
Introducing the New Kintsugi Filings Page: what changed in the Filings page redesign
Filing Statuses Explained: what Unfiled, Filing, Filed, and the other statuses mean
This article is general information about how filing frequencies work, not tax advice for your specific situation.
Need Help?
For further concerns, we are always here to help. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, just reach out to us using the chat in the bottom right corner of your screen.