There are five different areas in which you will find Tax Return Tools for both Personal and Business Returns:
The Tax Return Toolbar
The Tax Return Menu
The Form Menu
The Print Menu
The Command Menu
Some of these areas have already been mentioned in the previous Chapters on Tax Preparation and Electronic Filing. Additionally, many of the functions within these areas have already been explained in detail. This Chapter guides you through these areas individually explaining when the function is unique to a particular area or when the function can be accessed from different areas. Depending on your preference, you can choose which way works best for you. Note: some of the functions listed in this Chapter may only be available in the Personal Return.
While working in a Personal or Business Return, click on the function you need to use in the Toolbar. Note: some of the functions may only be available in the Personal Return. The action taken by the program will depend on your chosen function as follows:
Add Form This function opens the All Forms and Schedules window to add Forms. This function is covered in Chapters 4 and 5.
Delete This function deletes an existing form. Note that some forms cannot be deleted.
To delete an existing form:
1. Open the Form you want to delete by double clicking on it in the Attached Forms screen.
2. Click the Delete button in the Toolbar. A window prompting you as to whether you want to delete the selected Form will appear.
3. Click OK to delete the Form or Cancel to cancel the action. The Form will no longer exist in the Return once it is deleted.
Save This function saves the Return as it exists at a particular moment in time without exiting the Return.
Refresh This function refreshes the Attached Forms list to show any recent additions or deletions to the list.
Back This function scrolls up the Attached Forms list.
Next This function scrolls down the Attached Forms list.
Print This function prints a final copy of the Return. This function is covered in Chapters 4 and 5.
Verify This function begins the Verification process. This function is covered in Chapters 4 and 5.
Queue This function queues the Return for transmitting later with other Returns.
Notes This function allows you to create Preparer Notes for a particular Return.
To create, view, save, and delete Preparer Notes:
1. Open the Return in which you want to use the Preparer Notes function.
2. Click the Notes button in the Toolbar. The Preparer Notes window will open.
3. Click New to create a new note. The date will appear. Write your note in the empty screen at the bottom of the window and click Save. The new Note will now appear next to the date, and the note will be accessible from Preparer Notes under the General section of the Attached Forms screen.
4. To delete a Note, click on the Note to highlight it in blue, and click Delete. The Note will be deleted and you will not be prompted to make sure you want to delete the note.
5. When you are finished with Preparer Notes in this Return, click Close.
Calc This function opens the Calculator.
To Use the Calculator:
1. Use the mouse to click on the numbers and functions within the calculator, or use the numbers and functions on the keyboard to use the calculator.
2. To insert a calculated number in a data field, place the cursor in the field, open the calculator, perform the calculation, and click Insert. The calculated number will appear in the field.
Appts (Personal Returns Only)This function allows you to view, add, and delete appointments from the Today`s Appointments function on the WIP screen.
To use the Today`s Appointments function from within the Return:
1. Click on Appts while in a Return. The abbreviated Client Appointments window will open.
2. Click Addto add an appointment. The larger Client Appointments screen will open. See page 165 for further directions on viewing appointments.
3. Click on the appointment to highlight it in blue, and click Editto edit an existing appointment. The larger Client Appointments screen will open.
4. Click on the appointment to highlight it in blue, and click Removeto delete an existing appointment. The appointment will be removed without any prompting.
Send Text (Personal Returns Only)This function allows you to send a text message to the client of the open return. This function is covered in Chapter 4.
Quick (Personal Returns Only)This function allows you to quickly check the status of a Return while you are working in a different Return. The Query Return Status Results window will open allowing you to quickly view information about the Return such as whether the IRS has acknowledged the Return, and if so, the current status, and whether a check for a RAC has been paid.
1. To use the Quick Return Status function,
a. Click on Quick while in a Return. The Query Return Status window will open.
b. Enter the Social Security Numberof the taxpayer. The Query Return Status Results window will open. Click Close when you are finished reviewing the information.
Payments This function opens the Tax Return Payment Details window so that a payment for the tax return services can be made, or so the user can view the payment history. See Chapter 6 for details on entering a payment.
Chat This function allows you to chat with Technical Support. The chat button is available thru out the program.
1. To use the Chat function,
a. Click on Chat while in a Return. The Chat window will open.
b. Enter Your Name, User ID and EFIN click the Start Chat button to initiate the chat session with technical support.
Close This function closes the Return. If you have made changes to the Return, you will be prompted as to whether you want to save the changes. If you have not made changes to the Return, the Return will close without prompting.
While working in a Personal or Business Return, click on Return in the Menu Bar, drag the arrow down to the function you need to use, and click once. The action taken by the program will depend on your chosen function.
Save Return This function saves the Return as it exists at a particular moment in time without exiting the Return. This Menu item works in the same manner as the Save button in the Return Toolbar.
Tax Estimator (Personal Returns Only)This function jumps to the Tax Estimate-Estimator Form in the Attached Forms list and opens this Form. The Tax Estimator allows you to predetermine an approximate amount of tax that will be owed by or refunded to your client.
To use the Tax Estimator:
1. Add a new Return as instructed above in Creating a New Tax Return. The Client Data screen will appear for the Taxpayer`s new Return. Do not fill out the Client Data screen.
2. Click on Tax Estimator in the Return Menu.
3. Enter the information in the Tax Estimator in the same manner as the Client Data screen. This information will already appear in the Client Data screen when you begin preparing the actual Return.
4. The Tax Estimator will calculate the approximate tax owed or to be refunded.
5. Print the Tax Estimate using the Print function.
Verify Return This function Verifies the Return. This Menu item works in the same manner as the Verify button in the Return Toolbar.
Queue Return This function Queues the Return. This Menu item works in the same manner as the Queue button in the Return Toolbar.
Print Return This function Prints the Return. This Menu item works in the same manner as the Print button in the Return Toolbar.
Info/Status This function jumps to the Information and Status Form in the Attached Forms list and opens this Form.
Rejects/Errors This function jumps to the Return Errors and Rejects window so that you may quickly view any Import Errors, Verify Errors, or Rejects for the Return.
Suspend Return Suspending a Return will prevent it from being sent to the IRS even if it is transmitted to Central Site. You may be instructed to use this function by Technical Support when they are trying to troubleshoot a problem with a Return. See Transmit on page 153 for directions on sending a Suspended Return to Central Site.
To suspend a Return:
1. While in a Return, click on Suspendin the Return Menu Bar. The Manual Status Selection window will open and the Code S for Suspended from Further Processing will be selected.
2. Write Commentsin the bottom window as to why you are suspending this Return.
3. Click OK. The Return will now be in a Suspended status.
To remove Suspended Status from a Return:
2. In the second line from the top, next to Override, delete the S in the first box and the date in the second box. The Return`s Suspended Status has been removed.
Transfer Return This function opens the Transfer Returns window which is used to Transfer Returns either to an external storage device or a zip drive for retrieval by another computer. See page 154 for directions.
Delete Return This function deletes an entire Return including any attached State Returns.
To delete a Return:
1. While in a Return, click on Deletein the Return Menu. The Delete Return window will open.
2. Click Yes to delete the Return and No or Cancelto abandon the deletion of the Return.
Y-T-Y Transfer This function transfers Tax Return data from the previous year`s program. This function is only necessary if the current Return is being created prior to when the Year-to-Year authorization code is entered and communications with Central Site have taken place. The data transferred during a Year-to-Year transfer is placed either in the current Return or in the ProForma forms depending on where it belongs.
To transfer Return data using the Year-to-Year function:
1. While in a Return, click on Y-T-Y Transfer in the Return Menu. The Year-To-Year Data Transfer Options window will open.
2. Click Reload to transfer the previous year`s Return (any information saved for this year`s Return will be lost), or click State Only to transfer only the State Return data from the previous year`s Return (any Federal Return data already entered will not be lost), or click Cancel to cancel the action.
Re-load Billing This function operates as soon as it is selected from the dropdown list. This function recalculates the invoice for the return if any changes have been made to the return or billing scheme that would affect the amount due.
Copy to Training This function will create a copy of the return and place it in the training database.
Review Bookmarks This function allows you to view Bookmarks in the Return Bookmarks window. This function is covered in Chapter 4.
Preparer Notes This function opens the Preparer Notes window. This Menu item works in the same manner as the Notes button in the Return Toolbar.
Overflow Details This function opens the Overflow Details Listing window to view all instances where the Open Statement function from the Form Menu was used to create an overflow list on a Form. See page 144 for directions to use the Open Statement function.
To view and open overflow data:
1. While in a Return, click on Overflow Details. The Overflow Details Listing window will open.
2. Double click on an item from the list to view the Form. The Form with the overflow data will open. Click Close when you are finished viewing the information.
Delete State This function is similar to the Delete function in the Return Menu, however, it only deletes the State Return. Additionally, it allows you to choose which State Return you would like to delete.
To delete a State Return:
1. While in a Return, click on Delete State in the Return Menu. The Delete State window will open.
2. Click on the State Return you want to delete.
3. Click OK to delete the Return or Cancel to abandon the deletion.
K-1 Manager (Business Returns Only) This function opens the K-1 Manager in the Business Return. See page 132 for details.
Client Appointment (Personal Returns Only)This function opens the Client Appointments window. This Menu item works in the same manner as the Appt button in the Return Toolbar.
Document Archive This function opens the Archived Documents Listing window. This location stores Returns as PDF`s which have been signed by a Signature Pad and documents or other images that have been scanned. Once a Return has been signed, it becomes a permanent record here, and remains even if the Return is altered and resigned at a later date. This function also provides for the scanning of additional documents. See page 114 for details.
To open an Archived Document:
1. While in a Return, click on Document Archive in the Return Menu. The Archived Documents Listing window will open.
2. Click on the Document you want to open and click Open. A PDF of the Return or document will open for viewing or printing.
Event Log This function opens the Event Log which shows the actions that have been taken in the program with a time and date stamp. This function also allows the user to add events.
Scan Barcode Forms This function opens the Scanned Forms Listing window. This function is covered in Chapters 4 and 5.
TextLink Plus (Personal Returns Only)This function opens the TextLink-Text Messaging Option window. This function is covered in Chapter 4.
Lock/Unlock This function Locks and Unlocks the Return. The user will be prompted when the function is activated whether the Return has been locked or locked.
Change Owner This function allows the user to change the Owner/Tax Preparer of the return. The user will be prompted to choose a new owner when the function is activated.
Change Entity Type (Business Returns Only) This function opens the Change Entity Type window and allows the User to change a business entity from one type to another.
Import Financial Data (Business Returns Only) This function allows the User to import data from QuickBooks. See Appendix 6 for details.
Close Return This function closes the Return.
Split Tax Return (Personal Returns Only)This function allows the user to change a state-level Married Filing Joint Return for Registered Domestic Partners into two federal single tax returns or a federal/state-level Married Filling Joint Return into two federal/state Married Filing Separately returns. The user will be prompted to choose a new filing status when the function is activated.
To Use the Split Tax Return Feature:
1. Prepare both the federal and state returns as normal selecting Married Filing Joint Return.
2. Enter a T or an S on the Client Data Sheet next to each Dependent or Others Cared for to designate that individual to the Taxpayer or Spouse`s individual return.
3. Check the bottom of all Forms and Worksheets for a note that states Taxpayer/Spouse Split Field. This note indicates that items may be allocated to the Taxpayer or Spouse. Select Ctrl + W when a split field notification appears. An Overflow Detail worksheet will open with a question mark next to items that need to be allocated.
4. Enter a T to allocate items on the worksheet to the Taxpayer and an S to allocate items on the worksheet to the Spouse.
5. File the state return only if a Married Filing Joint Return is being filed for the state Return.
6. While in the Return, click on Split Tax Return in the Return Menu. The Split Tax Return window will open.
7. Select Single to split the federal Return into two separate Single Returns of Registered Domestic Partners or select Married Filing Separately to split the federal Return of a married couple.
8. Open the individual Returns from the Return List and file the Returns separately.
While working in a Personal or Business Return, click on Form in the Menu Bar, drag the arrow down to the function you need to use, and click once. The action taken by the program will depend on your chosen function.
Add Form This function opens the All Forms and Schedules window to add Forms. This function is covered in Chapters 4 and 5.
Delete Form This function deletes a Form which was previously added to the Return. This function is covered in Chapters 4 and 5.
Forms Attached This function simply moves the cursor from wherever it is to the Client Data line in the Attached Forms screen.
Open Worksheet This function opens a Worksheet when the field allows or requires a Worksheet entry. The Worksheets button in the Return becomes activated when one of these fields are highlighted. The Open Worksheet function in the Menu Bar works in the same manner as the Worksheets button at the bottom of the form.
Open Statement This function allows for Overflow data when working in a Form and there are not enough lines in the Form for all of the required data.
To use the Open Statement function:
1. Highlight the field in the Form in which you need Overflow data.
2. Click on Open Statement in the Form Menu. The Overflow window will open.
3. Fill in the Overflow data.
4. Press the Esc key on the keyboard to return to the Form. Overflow details can be viewed from the Return Menu. See page 142 for more details.
Goto Line # This function allows you go directly to a specific line in a Form.
To move to a specific line:
1. While in a Form, click on Goto Line # in the Form Menu. The Goto Line window will open.
2. Enter Line Number and press OK.
Link Forms This function allows you to quickly jump from one Form to another. This function is available when the Form Links button at the bottom of the Return becomes activated, which occurs because the current highlighted field is linked to another Form. The Link Forms function in the Menu Bar works in the same manner as the Link Forms button.
Input Index This function opens the Index Tab in the All Forms and Schedules window used when you are adding Forms. The Input Index function in the Menu Bar works in the same manner as the Add Form button in the Toolbar with the second tab selected.
Client ProForma (Personal Returns Only) This function opens the ProForma tab in the All Forms and Schedules window used when you are adding Forms. The Client ProForma function in the Menu Bar works in the same manner as the Add Form button in the Toolbar with the third tab selected.
Depreciation This function opens the Depreciation Tab in the All Forms and Schedules window used when you are adding Forms. The Depreciation function in the Menu Bar works in the same manner as the Add Form button in the Toolbar with the fifth tab selected.
State Forms This function opens the State Tab in the All Forms and Schedules window used when you are adding Forms. The State function in the Menu Bar works in the same manner as the Add Form button in the Toolbar with the fourth tab selected.
Review Next Form This function opens the next Form in the Attached Forms list.
Review Prev Form This function opens the previous Form in the Attached Forms list.
Questionnaire (Personal Returns Only) This function allows the user to create a custom Questionnaire that must be completed while the Return is being prepared. This function was not fully operational at the time this Manual was printed. Please contact your Technical Support person for details.
Add Occurrences This function allows the user to create multiple occurrences of the same form.
Import Schedule K-1 (Personal Returns Only) This function allows the user to import a Schedule K-1 from a Business Return into a Personal Return.
To import a Schedule K-1:
1. While in a Personal Return, click on Import Sched K1 in the Form Menu. The Import Schedule K-1(s) window will open.
2. Check the box next to the SSN of the person whose Schedule K-1 needs to be imported.
3. Click the Import button. The Schedule K-1 from the Business Return will be automatically added to the Personal Return.
While working in a Return, click on Print in the Menu Bar, drag the arrow down to the function you need to use, and click once. Follow the directions in Chapters 4 and 5 for printing when the Print dialog window opens. The action taken by the program will depend on your chosen function.
Current Form Only This function prints only the Form of the Return that is currently opened in the screen.
Return Components This function allows the User to pick certain Forms of which one copy will be printed.
To use the Return Components function:
1. While in a Return, click on Return Components in the Print Menu. The Print Specified Components window will open.
2. Check or uncheck boxes of components of which you want one copy printed.
3. Click OK to open the Print dialog window or Cancelto return to the Return.
4. Follow the directions for the Print Dialog window in Chapter 4.
Final Tax Return This function prints the Return in the same manner as the Print button in the Return Toolbar.
Schedule K-1s (Business Returns Only) This function prints the Schedule K-1s associated with the Business Return.
Bank Documents (Personal Returns Only) This function prints the Bank Documents associated with the Return and forms required for electronic filing.
Disclosure/Privacy (Personal Returns Only) This function prints the consent forms and privacy statements that are required to be provided to the Taxpayer.
Organizer/Proforma (Personal Returns Only) This function prints the Proformas for tax planning, however, they are not available until the Proforma package is sent to you following the normal tax season.
8879/8453 EF Documents (Personal Returns Only) This function prints the Form 8879 and Form 8453 electronic filing documents associated with the tax return.
Acknowledge Letter This function prints the Federal Acknowledgement Letter.
State ACK Letter This function prints the State Acknowledgment Letter. This function is not available if there is no associated State Return.
Payment Voucher This function prints only the Payment Voucher for the Return.
Extension Request This function prints an Extension Request. Creating an Extension is covered in Chapters 4 and 5.
Referral Coupons (Personal Returns Only) This function prints referral coupons that the Taxpayer can give to their friends.
Attached Forms List This function prints the Attached Forms list as it appears in the Return screen. Other options are available for printing such as Landscape or Portrait layout.
Preview Return This function generates a pdf copy of the return with a watermark of Preparers Review Copy Do Not File on the return.
The Command Menu consists of a list of Commands that are also available on the keyboard by using the Function keys. The corresponding Function key is listed.
Help Topic (F1) This command opens the Help Menu.
Work in Progress (F2) (Personal Returns Only) This command exits the current screen and opens the WIP Summary screen.
Business Summary (F2) (Business Returns Only) This command exits the current screen and opens the Business Summary screen.
Choice List (F3) This command works in the same manner as the Choice button in the Return Toolbar. This command is only available when a Return is open.
Select for Print (F4) This command allows you to customize which Forms print for a particular Return. Making changes using this command only customizes the printing for the current Return.
To use the Select for Print command:
1. While in a Return, click the F4 button on the keyboard, or click on Select for Print from the Commands Menu. The Customize Page and Worksheet Printing window will open. The preset selections of what normally does and does not print are selected under Auto Print and Don`t Print respectively in that order.
2. Check the box Force Printto Print a Form or Worksheet whose box is checked Don`t Print, indicating that it does not normally print with the Return.
3. Check the box Don`t Print to prevent the printing of a Form or Worksheet whose box is checked Auto Print, indicating that it does normally print with the Return.
4. Click OK when you are finished with your selections.
5. Click Close to close the window.
Clear Override (F5) This command reruns the calculation over an overridden field.
To clear an Override and recalculate the field:
1. Place the cursor in the field where you want to clear the Override.
2. Click the F5 button on the keyboard, or click Clear Override from the Commands Menu. The value will return to the calculated value.
Bookmark Field (F6) This command opens the Bookmark Field for creating a Bookmark. This command is covered in Chapter 3.
Calculator (F7) This command opens the Calculator. This command works in the same manner as the Calc button in the Return Toolbar.
Search Criteria (F7) This command is not always available in the Command Menu. This command is only available when the Return Lookup screen is open. This command allows a broader search for Returns from data such as EFIN, Receipt, or Home Phone Number.
Print Window (F8) This command opens the Print Dialog window to print the current screen being viewed. The Print Dialog window will vary according to which screen is open.
Sort Statement (F9) This command allows a list of items in a Form, Worksheet, or Overflow column to be sorted in ascending order alphabetically.
To sort a column:
1. Place the cursor somewhere in the column to be sorted.
2. Click the F9 button on the keyboard, or click Sort Statement from the Commands Menu. A prompt as to whether you want the column sorted will open.
3. Click OK. The column will be sorted.
Exit (F10) This command exits the program. This command works in the same manner as the Exit button available when the Work In Progress Summary screen is open.
Chapter 7 Administrative Tools
Chapter 8 Utility Menu
Chapter 9 Reports
Chapter 10Help Menu