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Unemployment Insurance Tax

OTTER HOME PAGE
 
 The software for reporting Oregon combined payroll taxes is called the Oregon Tax Employer Reporting System (OTTER).
 
 
NOTICE: OTTER 2012 v2.18.0 is now available!
  
Learn about the Benefits of Using OTTER

OTTER Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
   
Computer system requirements are:
  • Operating system of Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 (32 or 64-bit)
  • A Pentium microprocessor or higher
  • 128MB RAM, though 256MB is preferred
  • 20MB free space on the system hard drive
 

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OTTER?
 
Here are the solutions to a couple of common problems that OTTER 2012 v2.18.0 users are experiencing. Solutions to other problems are located on the OTTER FAQs page. Please print this page for your reference.
 
Question #1
After upgrading OTTER, I experience one or more of the following problems:
  • A message that there are no rates in the system for the year entered
  • No rates exist in the program
  • I cannot add the current year
What do I do?
 
Answer #1
  1. Make sure OTTER is CLOSED. Download the latest TmplDB.mdb file by clicking here. When prompted, save the file to your Desktop, or note where your web browser saves downloads. Minimize your web browser after the download is complete.
  2. Go to your Desktop or download save location and locate the TmplDB.mdb file. Right-click on the file and select "Copy".
  3. Open "Computer" or on your Desktop. On your keyboard, hit the "Alt" key once. Observe that a menu displays at the top of the window. One of the menu options is "Tools". Click on "Tools" and go to "Folder Options". Under "Folder Options", click on the "View" tab. Go down to the listing of checkboxes under "Advanced Settings". Find the option labeled "Show hidden files and folders". Make sure this option is selected. If it is not, select it and click "Apply" and then "OK".
  4. While still in "Computer", locate your C: drive. Go to the following location: C:\Users\*Your Username*\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (or x86), if present)\Otter32. Right-click anywhere in this folder and select "Paste". When prompted, choose "Copy and Replace".
  5. Exit all remaining open windows, including your web browser, and open OTTER from the shortcut on your Desktop. Verify that the problem has been resolved.
 
Question #2
After submitting my transfer file, I receive an e-mail message saying I sent a report that was previously processed. What am I doing wrong?  
 
Answer #2 
Most likely, an old transfer file was attached after clicking "Browse" on the secure server page. When you click on "Browse", make sure that you open your C: drive and then open the folder named OTTERData. Attach the transfer file OTTERTRF.ZIP located in this folder.
 
 
Important Features 
  • You can send in your quarterly combined payroll report file by attaching it to our secure server. Please note that we no longer accept diskettes.
  • Instructions PDF Document for transferring your OTTER report to the secure server. 
  • OTTER allows you to import your payroll data from your own payroll software.
  • You can copy one quarter to the next so that you don´t have to key in data each quarter.
  • There are Help screens available from any location by just pressing F1.
  • You can validate multiple quarters for multiple businesses all in one process.
 
If you have any problems while using OTTER that you cannot resolve using the help screens, please call (503) 947-1544 option 6. OTTER technical support hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Technical support is not available on holidays and furlough days. Make certain you or someone with you has sufficient computer knowledge to copy files, download files, change settings, view files in your C drive, make icons, and find your windows\system directory. If not, please use the documentation that came with your computer. If you are unable to reach a staff member immediately by phone, please leave a detailed message and we will return your call as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause and appreciate your patience.
 
If you are unable to download the software, you may use our online form to order an OTTER CD, or call us at (503) 947-1488, or send email to taxinfo@emp.state.or.us.
 
PDF Document Viewing this document requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free.
 

 
Find out more about OTTER
 
The Quick Reference Guide includes the features of the new program, setup instructions, toolbar buttons, and where to call for technical support.