A well-prepared staff is essential to ensuring a successful tax season and satisfied clients who will return again next year. Please be sure to finish the Setup portion of this Manual before the tax season begins. Also, ensure that all staff members who will be using the program are familiar with the software and are prepared to support your clients. This Manual includes thorough directions to guide you through Setup and all other tasks, along with a helpful Appendices, Glossary and Taxpayer Questionnaire. You can also find helpful tutorials on your CD/DVD or within your Program Folder.
The following lists reflect the changes for the new tax year. These lists are up to date as of the printing of this document, however, it is likely that more updates will occur before and after the tax season begins.
Ø Navigational Tabs
The software now has three new navigational tabs for easier access to 1040 and Business packages as well as a direct link to the software website. Which will now allow access for a 1040 and business return to be open at the same time.
Ø AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) Key
All instances of the program will have a default AES key assigned during the installation process. By default the AES Key that is assigned during the installation is the transmission password. This field can be removed or changed upon the initial installation of the program.
Ø Chat Button
A new chat button has been added to the program giving our users another way to contact Technical Support.
Ø Tax Return Search
The software now can filter Tax Returns based on certain search criteria
with valid date ranges.
Ø Lockout on failed login attempts
The user has 5 attempts to enter the correct user name and password to access the program. If all attempts fail, the Administrator must login and view the users` login account, make any necessary changes and save the record, this will unlock the account.
Ø Login Accounts
A new login preference Training Returns Only has been added to the software. If this is checked under the users` login preference they will only have access to the training return database.
Ø User Status
The client data screen has been updated to allow for easier entry of custom user status codes.
Ø Refund Option – Changing Selection
If the Refund Option is changed from a Bank Product to a Paper Check or Direct Deposit (non-bank product), a message will be displayed to the user to denote that they will need to collect the Tax Return Fees from the taxpayer before they leave the office.
Ø Printing Returns
· Email Encrypted PDF
An Email button has been added to the print menu allowing the preparer to email the Tax Return as an encrypted pdf to the Taxpayer(s).
· Copies
Ability to select the number of copies you would like to print of each Tax Return.
· Client Letters
An option has been added to the 1040 return printing so the user can now select to print the Federal and or State client letters.
· Asset Lists
An option has been added to the 1040 return printing so the user can now select to print the Federal and or State Asset lists.
· Privacy Letter
A new print option has been added to exclude the privacy letter from printing.
· Invoice
The invoice will now print with the 8879/8453 EF Documents.
· Referral Coupons
We have added Spanish Referral Coupons to the program.
· PTIN Masking
The ability to turn on PTIN Masking has been added to the Print Options.
Ø Office Setup
· Shrink Verify List on Enter
The error list in the verify window will shrink as the errors are resolved and the users hits the enter key on the keyboard.
· Require User Status
The Defaults Tab has been enhanced to allow the user to require user status codes on all returns.
· Include Preparer Info during YTY transfer
The Defaults Tab has been enhanced to allow the Preparer information on the 1040 to now be included when a return is transferred from the prior year.
· Require Preparation Fee
The require preparation fee has been moved from the Defaults Tab to the Electronic filing Tab.
Ø State Releases
All states are available upon the initial install of the software and can be added to the Tax Return. The State will be highlighted in RED on the attached forms list if it has not been released. Once the State has been approved for filing the RED highlighting will be removed and the return will be auto calculated upon opening.
Ø Secure Email
Secure Email was expanded to include the Preparer`s name. This information is defaulted to the currently logged in individual, or changed to the paid preparer if a return is attached and the data is present on the return. If the user wishes to change it to something else, they can manually override this information before sending it to the designated recipient.
Ø Billing Schemes
The billing schemes can now be printed click the F8 button to print the selected billing schemes.
Ø Hot Key
A new hot key (Ctrl + Shift + U) has been added for locking/unlocking a tax return.
Ø Queue Tax Return
The transmit button on the Tax Return Menu Bar has been renamed to queue. The return will be queued to be transmitted on the WIP.
Ø Male/Female Indicator
The client data screen has been enhanced, the Tax Preparer can now designate Male or Female for the Taxpayer and Spouse.
Ø Depreciation
Depreciation can now be accessed under the attached forms list while in the return.
Ø Document Archive/PDF Attachments
PDF/Binary attachments sent via MeF with the tax return will now display in the left-hand navigation tree under a new parent node “BinaryAttachments”. Added “Attach PDF” button on specific forms where a PDF attachment can be added into the MeF data of an e-fillable tax return.
Ø Year to Year Transfer
· Donee Database
The Donee Organization Database is now part of the year to year transfer.
· Preparer Information
The Preparer information on the 1040 can now be included when a return is transferred from the prior year.
· Invoices
An option has been added to the billing setup to disable the prior year balance on an invoice during the year to year transfer of a tax return.
· American Opportunity Credit
The number of years the American Opportunity Credit has been taken for each student will now be included when a return is transferred from the prior year.
Updated Forms
The following form updates have been made to the software:
Ø Form 2210 – The software will now, always calculate the Estimated Tax Penalty and attach the 2210 if a penalty exist. Users can still waive the penalty by checking the waive 2210 box on the 1040. The penalty will be removed along with the 2210 form from the return.
Ø Form 673 - Statement for Claiming Exemption from Withholding on Foreign Earned Income is now available under Print blank forms.
Ø Form PMT – A data entry field has been added so that a different payment amount other than the one calculated can be entered.
Ø Form 8962 – Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit is required to be filed.
Ø Form 8965 - Health Coverage Exemption is required if you or a member of your tax household have an exemption granted by the Marketplace.
Ø FEC Record – The form now allows for entry of a domestic or foreign address.
Ø 1099-Q – This form has been added to the software to report payments from qualified education programs.
Ø Form 3115 – The Application for Change in Accounting Method has been added to the software.
Ø Qualified Loan Limit and Deductible Home Mortgage Worksheet- This new worksheet was added to the Schedule A line 10.
Banking Updates
We are partnered with several industry leading bank product providers, ensuring that you have a variety of funding choices.
Ø TPG
Ø Refund Advantage
Ø Refundo
Business Program Enhancements
Ø Available States – We have added additional states to the Business Program. The newly added states are AR, CT, DE, IN, KY, MA, MD, MN, MO, OK, RI, VA and WI.
Ø Business Client Data Sheet
The Business Client Data sheet has been improved and now includes
· Custodian and Location of Books and Records Address
The custodian and location of books and records has been added to the Client Data Sheet giving you the ability to enter a different address.
· Return Options
The return options have been enhanced giving the prepare the ability;
ü To use tax information reported on assets worksheets to complete the balance sheet line for land.
ü To Load form 3115
ü For 1065 or 1120s Filers - Enter Rental Income and Expense directly on form 8825.
Ø Conversion
We now have the ability to convert Business Returns from Drake and Taxwise software programs.
Ø Entity Switch
An option has been added to allow the deletion of the original return after the entity switch is completed.
Updated Business Forms
The following form updates have been made to the software:
Ø Form 8825 – Data can now be entered directly on the 8825.
Ø Form 3115 – Ability to automatically add Form 3115.
Ø State Income Tax Paid Worksheet – This worksheet on the Income Statement has been restructured to allow entry of taxes paid for Income, Franchise or Non Resident. A new field has also been added to allow entry of prior year taxes paid in the current taxable year.
Ø Other Taxes Detail – This is a new worksheet on the Income Statement that allows the preparers to clearly specify the types of Other Taxes booked against income in the current year.
Ø Retained Earnings (Appropriated) – A new worksheet on the Balance Sheet has been created to allow for description and entry of the Appropriated Retained Earnings.
· 1 GB of hard disk space
· 1 GB of memory in Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
· High-speed or Dial-up Internet Service
· HP compatible laser printer supporting a Printer Control Language of 6 or higher or a GDI compatible printer. Please note this is due to bank requirements for properly printing checks.
This program can be setup in four different configurations. Please consult with your sales person to determine the best setup for your organization.
1. Single Workstation - A single computer is used by all preparers for all functions. This computer is used to print all returns, reports, and checks. This computer is also used to transmit information to and from Central Site. This computer can be enabled to use an unlimited number of Electronic Return Originators and Paid Preparers.
2. Networked, Multiple Workstations - The program is installed on only one computer that functions as a server, which is connected to other computers that function as workstations that can be used as transmitting computers via the server. Transferring of data from one computer to another is not necessary. However, it is important during installations and updates that all workstations close out of the program except one.
3. Non-Networked, Multiple Workstations- The program is installed on one transmitting computer and on an unlimited number of non-transmitting computers. The non-transmitting computers transfer information to and from the transmitting computer, which in turn, transfers information to and from Central Site. The transmitting computer is used for all communications to and from Central Site. While the program can be installed on an unlimited number of non-transmitting computers, the purchase of the program enables only one license for a transmitting computer (or server as above).
4. Multi-Office Organizations and Service Bureaus – The program is installed on a Main Computer and one or more Remote Computers. The Main Computer transmits to Central Site. The Remote Computer(s) communicates with the Main Computer via Central Site. The Main Computer controls the degree to which the Remote Computer communicates directly with Central Site.
To install the program to a single computer, follow these steps:
1. Close all applications that are running on your computer.
2. Insert the CD/DVD or Download the installation files from the Customer Portal. Windows Installer will begin loading the program automatically, and the Installation Wizard will open. (If Windows Installer has not been loaded previously, you may be prompted to restart the computer.)
3. Follow the on-screen directions of the Installation Wizard. See further directions for Software Setup below.
4. The Installation Wizard will install the program to the C:\Xlink15 folder of the hard drive by default. If the program is being installed on a network server, change the destination drive letter to that of the network server. (Example: If E is the destination of the server, change the folder to E:\Xlink15.
5. When installation is complete, click on Finish to launch the program.
To share the program across a network, follow these steps:
1. Follow the Basic Installation directions (above) to install the program to the computer established as the network server.
2. On the network server, share the drive and/or folder on which the program is installed.
3. Map a drive from each workstation to use the shared Xlink15 folder.
4. At each individual workstation, browse to the shared Xlink15 folder and create a shortcut on the workstation`s desktop using the Xlink32.exe file. On the workstation desktop, make sure that the Icon properties reflect the drive and folder that are mapped to the program. (Example: Target is E:\Xlink32.exe; Start In: E:\)
To use multiple computers without a network, follow these steps:
1. Follow the Basic Installation directions (above) for installing the program on all computers. The software license allows multiple installations, however, only one computer can serve as a transmitting computer.
2. Under Office Setup in the Manual, follow the directions under the Registration Tab.
To use multiple computers in a Multi-Office Organization or Service Bureau, follow these steps:
1. Use the Office Management feature on the program website by the Main Office to enroll and setup all Remote Offices.
2. Follow the Basic Installation (above) for installing the program on all computers. During the Basic Installation, the Remote Computers will automatically communicate with Central Site, which will in turn transfer information already generated by the Main Office.
3. Enter any additional information during Setup that was not already provided by the Main Office during the automatic transfer.
Please contact your technical support for assistance.
The following directions instruct how to install the software after the configuration above has been determined and the Installation Wizard has opened:
1. Start the program installation and the Welcome screen will open.
2. Click Next to continue the 2015 program installation.
3. The End User License Agreement (EULA) appears. Select the radio button I Accept the terms of the license agreement and click Next to continue.
4. Choose the location of where the program will be installed. By default, the program is installed in the following destination C:\Xlink15 folder. A different location may need to be selected depending on the configuration used, as described in the previous section. A different location can be selected by clicking the Change button. After the location is selected click Next to continue.
5. Click Install to install the program to the destination location that was previously selected. If changes need to be made to Installation Settings, click the Back button.
6. The program begins to install and the progress bar begins to move. When the installation is complete, the last install screen will appear automatically. The selection “I would like to launch 1040 Software” will be automatically checked. Click Finishto continue to the Setup Screens.
The following directions instruct how to setup the software:
1. Under Prior Year Information, if the program was used the previous year,
a.
The Path
will be detected and already entered. If this Path is incorrect, click the
b. Enter the Prior Year Login and Password used to access the program the previous year, if applicable.
2. Enter the User ID and Password, which are provided by the Sales Representative. Click Next to continue, and the next screen will open.
3. Under Office Information,
a. If the program was used in the previous year or if this is a managed site, the information on this screen will already be completed.
b. If the information is not already completed, enter the required information in all fields that are denoted with an asterisk (*), then click Next to continue, and the next screen will open.
4. Under Administrator Password, enter the Admin Passwordthat will be used for the Administrator account. Enter the Admin Password a second time to confirm the password. This password will be used to login to the program.
5. Under Enhanced Encryption, enter a unique Enhanced Encryption Passwordto enhance the security of the program. This step is not required. Enter the Enhanced Encryption Password a second time to confirm the password. This is not a requirement. Click Next to continue, and the next screen will open.
6. Select Transmit, Transfer, or Feeder from the dropdown list to designate how this program will communicate with Central Site.
7. Select the options to transfer data as a prior year user of the program, as follows:
a. Prior year Setup
b. Prior year Billing Information
c. Prior year Database
d. Prior year Login Accounts
e. Prior year Appointments
8. Click Next to continue, and the next screen will open.
9. The following screen will open if any of the prior year transfers of data were selected in the previous step:
10. Mark the box under the previous year`s Login Accounts that need to be carried over to the new year`s program. Alternatively, click the Select All button.
11. Enter the Default Password these Login Accounts will use to access the program. The user will be prompted to change their password the first time they log in to the program.
12. Click Next to continue, and the next screen will open.
13. Click Finish to start the newly installed program.
14. Enter the Administrator Login and Password that were previously created for this account in Step 4 above.