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CS.THOMSONREUTERS.COM/GOSYSTEM

GOSYSTEM TAX

2016 TAX PREPARER’S GUIDE

LAST UPDATED: OCTOBER 31, 2016

Note: Please note that all screen images are valid as of October 31, 2016 and are subject to change at Thomson Reuters’ discretion.

PROPRIETARY MATERIALS

No use of these Proprietary materials is permitted without the express written consent of or license from Thomson Reuters/Tax & Accounting, ©2016-2017. Altering, copying, distributing, or reproducing any of these proprietary materials in any manner is expressly prohibited.

SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

The right to use the software product described in this document is specifically conditioned upon your execution of and compliance with the Tax Software and Services Agreement with Thomson Reuters/Tax & Accounting, ©2016-2017.

All contents copyright ©2016-2017, Thomson Reuters/Tax & Accounting. All rights reserved.

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CHAPTER 1: NAVIGATING IN THE TAXAPPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

TAX APPLICATION TOOLBAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

OTHER TOOLBAR ICONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

OTHER NAVIGATIONAL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Location Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Floating Location Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

TAX APPLICATION MENU SELECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Tax Application Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Edit Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Options Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Access Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

USING THE ACTIVE FORMS VIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MANAGING THE FORMS LIST WINDOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Listing Forms in the Forms List Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CHOOSING AN ORGANIZER OR TAX FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

KEYBOARD AND MOUSE SHORTCUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

NAVIGATION TIPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

CHAPTER 2: USING THE TAX APPLICATIONS . . . . . 15

ENTERING DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Entering Data into Organizer Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Adding a Note to a Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Linking an OLE Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Linking an Existing OLE Object to a Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Embedding an OLE Object. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Embedding an Existing OLE Object in a Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Embedding a New OLE Object in a Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Verifying Linked or Embedded OLE Object Attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Changing Linked or Embedded OLE Object Attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Printing Linked or Embedded OLE Object Attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Establishing a DDE Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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ENTERING DATA INTO TAX FORMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Entering Data into Workpapers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Data Entry Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

DELETING DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Deleting Data if the Delete Icon is Not Present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Deleting an Input Line from Group Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Deleting an Item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Deleting a State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

REVIEWING THE RETURN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Reviewing Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Clearing Overrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Reviewing Tax Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Reviewing Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

REVIEWING HYPERLINKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Reviewing the Tax Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Using Tax Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Reviewing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

DOCUMENTING RETURN ACTIVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Completing Return Activity Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Processing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

CHAPTER 3: PRINTING THE RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . 28

USING PRINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

PRINTING FROM “PRINT ENTIRE RETURN” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

PREVIEWING THE RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Dynamic Form Selections, Toolbars, and Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING AND UTILITIES . 45

TAX APPLICATION ERRORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

REBUILDING A TAX RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

FREEING A RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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CHAPTER 5: LEARNING BY DOING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

CASE STUDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Carson Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46How to Use Case Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Creating a New Case Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Case Study Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

CARSON CASE STUDY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Getting Started on the Carson Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49After You Complete the Carson Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Printing the Carson Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

CHAPTER 6: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . 52

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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TAX APPLICATION TOOLBAR

CHAPTER 1: NAVIGATING IN THE TAXAPPLICATION

TAX APPLICATION TOOLBAR

The toolbar appears across the top of the application window below the menu bar, and provides quick mouse access to commonly used commands. The tax application displays a brief description for each toolbar item as you pass your pointer across the toolbar.

The tax application displays a longer description for each toolbar item in the status bar when you “hover” over the item with your mouse without releasing the mouse button. If, after viewing the description, you do not want to perform the command, move the mouse pointer to another location.

Many of these icons appear in other toolbars, such as those for Diagnostics and Overrides.

Important: You should not close a tax return by clicking the X in the screen’s upper right corner. Exiting that way can cause problems with the program.

ICON NAME WHAT IT DOES

Close Close the current window

Save Save the current data.

Full Compute Recompute the entire return.

Auto Compute Move between computing automatically as data is entered (on), and computing on demand (off).

Print Select items to be printed, and then print to file or to printer.

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TAX APPLICATION TOOLBAR TAX APPLICATION TOOLBAR

Print Preview Preview Tax Return

Previous in History Show the form associated with the previous entry in the History List.

History Show a list of forms displayed since you accessed Organizer Forms or Tax Forms.

Next in History Show the form associated with the next entry in the History List.

Forms List Toggles the display of the Forms List Window on and off.

Tax Summary Show the federal or state tax summary calculation

Access Tax Forms Go to the primary government form on the Tax Forms tab.

e-Form RS (if licensed) Launch e-Form RS.

Checkpoint (if licensed)

Launch Checkpoint

Cut Remove the selected entry and place it in the clipboard.

Copy Copy the selected entry to the Clipboard.

Paste Paste the contents of the Clipboard at the insertion point.

Help Topics Launch the Help system for the Tax Application.


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OTHER TOOLBAR ICONS OTHER TOOLBAR ICONS

OTHER TOOLBAR ICONS

Depending on the window you have open (Diagnostics, Overrides, and so forth), you may see icons that do not appear on the main tax application toolbar. The chart below illustrates some of these icons and their uses.

Help for this Screen Launch context-sensitive help.

Allocation Display (1065)

Display partner allocations for the 1065 return.

Customer Center Opens a table of postings in Customer Center applicable to the current tax application jurisdiction (federal or state).



Go to source Go to source of diagnostic (Diagnostics)

Clear override Clear override (Overrides).

Align left

Justify text to the left margin (Notes).

Center Justify text to the center (Notes).

Align right Justify text to the right margin (Notes).

Access Organizer Go to the General Information section of Organizer.

Access Tax Forms Go to the primary government form on the Tax Forms tab.

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OTHER NAVIGATIONAL FEATURES OTHER NAVIGATIONAL FEATURES

OTHER NAVIGATIONAL FEATURES

LOCATION BAR

We have introduced a new navigational feature (“bread crumbs”) so that you will know exactly where you are in a locator. To activate breadcrumbs, select View on the menu, and then select Location Bar.

The location bar, showing your location within the locator, will appear.

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OTHER NAVIGATIONAL FEATURES OTHER NAVIGATIONAL FEATURES

FLOATING LOCATION TREE

To detach the location tree located at the left of the menu and move it to your place of choice on the screen, select View | Floating Location Tree.

You will then see a floating navigation tree that you can drag and drop to any location on your screen.

The Forms List Window will remain visible on the left side of the screen.

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TAX APPLICATION MENU SELECTIONS TAX APPLICATION MENU SELECTIONS

TAX APPLICATION MENU SELECTIONS

TAX APPLICATION MENU BAR

The menu bar, shown across the top of the screen between the title bar and the toolbar, provides the primary access to all Tax Application commands.

The Tax Application shows a description for each menu bar item in the status bar when you click the item with your mouse and move the mouse pointer down to each item.

If, after viewing the description, you do not want to perform the command, release the mouse button while the pointer is off the menu.

FILE MENU

A description appears for each menu bar item in the status bar when you click the item with your mouse and move the mouse pointer down to each item.

Tax Application File menu options include:

SELECT THEN SELECT FROM SUBMENU

TO SEE THIS RESULT

Close Close the current window.

Save Save the active return.

Consolidate (1120 only) Go to Step 5 of the Consolidation process.

Import

Kid Tax Return (1040 only) Go to the Kid Tax Income - Tax for Children section in the Organizer.

K-1 Transfer from Business Returns

(1040 only) Go to the Schedule K-1 Transfer K-1 Info. section in the Organizer.

Partner Information (1065 only) Select which type of DIF files to import.

Shareholder Information

(1120 only) Import DIF files

From DIF File Import DIF file to the current return.

Export

Separate Returns from Joint Data

(1040 only) Export data from this return into the destination SRJD return.

Partner Information Select which type of DIF files to export

Shareholder Info Export DIF files.

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EDIT MENU

A description appears for each menu bar item in the status bar when you click the item with your mouse and move the mouse pointer down to each item. Note: Edit, Cut, Copy, and so forth are available for only one field at a time. Tax Application Edit menu options include:

To DIF File Export data to a .DIF file from current returns.

Full Recompute

Force full recompute of return.

Print Options Show return and print options from Organizer.

Print Entire Return

Ctrl +P Select files to be printed and print to file or to printer.

Preview Return View all forms and statements in print file.

Exit Alt+F4 Leave the Tax Application.

SELECT THEN SELECT FROM SUBMENU

TO SEE THIS RESULT

SELECT OR PRESS

TO SEE THIS RESULT

Cut Ctrl+X Remove the selected item and place it in the Clipboard for later use, such as inserting into a document in another window or another location within the current window.

Copy Ctrl+C Copy the selected entry to Clipboard and preserve it in the Clipboard for later use, such as inserting into a document in another window or at another location within the current window.

Delete Del Remove the selected entry but preserve it in the Clipboard for later use, such as inserting into a document in another window or at some other location within the current window.

Delete Line Remove the entire line in an entry box without placing it in the Clipboard.

Clear Override Ctrl+O Delete the overriding entry and restore the original value.

Paste Ctrl+V Paste the contents of the Clipboard at the insertion point. Pasting does not remove the contents from the Clipboard. You may continue to paste the same item into documents in other windows and at other points in the current window.

Paste Link Establish a DDE link to another document at the insertion point.

Tick Field Ctrl+T Apply tick mark to field.

Lock Field Ctrl+L Prevent field from further editing.

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VIEW MENU


Tax Application View menu options include:

Insert

Line Item Insert a new line item to the return.

Note Add a note to the form.

Object Embed or link an OLE object to the form at the insertion point.

Efile Attach-ment

Embed attachments to the return’s XML file to be electronically filed

Links Review documents linked to the form by DDE.

Journal Entries

(1065 and 1120 only) Related to Trial Balance Bridge information.

TCC/Tax Code Descriptions

(1065 and 1120 only) Related to Trial Balance Bridge information.

SELECT OR PRESS

TO SEE THIS RESULT

SELECT OR PRESS TO SEE THIS RESULT

Status Bar Turn Status bar on and off.

Location Bar Show the “bread crumb” navigation bar below the toolbar.

Floating Navigation Tree

Detach a floating copy of the Forms List Window that you can move around the screen as desired.

Active Forms Show only those forms that contain data in the Forms List window.

Previous Ctrl+Left Scroll to previous screen in Organizer or previous page in Tax Forms.

In Notes, displays the note associated with the previous note in the Notes List window

Next Ctrl+Right Scroll to next screen in Organizer or next page in Tax Forms.

In Notes, displays the note associated with the next note in the Notes List window.

History Show a list of forms shown in the current session.

Next in History Scroll to next screen or page in the history list.

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OPTIONS MENU


Tax Application Options menu options include:

Previous in History

Scroll to previous screen or page in history list.

Forms List Window

Ctrl+Y Toggle display of Forms List window.

Referred to as Split window in Notes and toggles the Notes List window to hide or reveal it.

Expand Forms List Open all folders to list all the contained forms.

Referred to as Expand Node in Preview and Notes and opens a folder a list all contained notes.

Collapse Forms List

Close all folders so that the contained forms are not displayed.

Referred to as Collapse Node in Preview and Notes and closes a folder so that the contained notes do not show.

Auto Expand Forms List

Automatically expand the Forms List to reveal all major forms headings.

Allocation Display (1065 only) Show allocations for the selected item.

Diagnostics Access diagnostics associated with this return.

Preseason Diagnostics

(1040 only) Access diagnostics associated with the rollover of this return.

Overrides Review overrides associated with this return.

Transfer Errors Display log of any errors during transfer of return.

Hyperlinks Review hyperlinks associated with this form.

OLE Attachments Review OLE objects attached to this return.

SELECT OR PRESS TO SEE THIS RESULT

SELECT OR PRESS

TO SEE THIS RESULT

Foreign Optimization

(1040 only) Show Expatriate return options and compute options to optimize between Sec. 911 and foreign tax credit.

Partner Allocation

(1065 only) Turn partner allocations on or off before computing.

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ACCESS MENU


Tax Application Access menu options include:

HELP MENU


Tax Application Help menu options include:

Auto Compute Alt+K Toggle between computing automatically as data is entered (toggled on), and computing on demand (toggled off).

A check mark means the Auto Compute feature is available.

Return (1120 only) Show return and print options from Organizer.

SELECT OR PRESS

TO SEE THIS RESULT

SELECT TO SEE THIS RESULT

Notes Review, reply to, or add notes to this return.

Quick Track Allow quick access to the Organizer to enter the appropriate data.

Trial Balance (1065 and 1120 only) Open the Trial Balance Bridge application.

Tax Invoicing (1120 only) Set up invoices.

Organizer Show the first Organizer Form in the Forms List window.

Tax Forms Show the first Tax Form.

e-Form RS Open e-Form RS on the Internet.

Checkpoint Open Checkpoint on the Internet.

Custom Letters (1040 only) Launch a Microsoft Word-based version of the Transmittal Letter. You can modify this letter as necessary.


Bandwidth Check the current transaction speed.

Help Topics Show Help topics organized by category. Select a book icon to see the topics in that category. To see a topic, select the link. Close a book by selecting it.

Comparison Shows control and data entry differences (Case Studies only)

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USING THE ACTIVE FORMS VIEW USING THE ACTIVE FORMS VIEW

USING THE ACTIVE FORMS VIEW

Use the Active Forms view to navigate quickly to screens that contain data. If the Active Forms view is available, a check mark appears next to the Active Forms menu item on the View menu. If you notice that certain Organizer or Tax Form screens are not accessible from the Forms List window, clear this option by selecting View | Active Forms.

MANAGING THE FORMS LIST WINDOW

The Forms List window displays a list of available Organizer Forms or Tax Forms. Refer to the following table to increase your understanding of the Forms List window.

About [tax type] Show version number of the application installed.


ICON NAME WHAT DOES IT MEAN/DO?

Closed Folder Expand this folder to list available forms. Appears with plus symbol.

Open Folder This folder has already been expanded to list available forms. Appears with minus symbol.

Plus This folder has not been expanded to list available forms. Click to expand.

Minus This folder has already been expanded to list available forms. Click to collapse.

Form Show the associated form in the Form window.

Multiple Page This form contains multiple pages. The Tax Application shows the associated form in the Form window with selectable tabs representing each page.

Add Add a blank screen for another data item, such as Employer when entering W-2 information, or payor when entering dividend information.

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CHOOSING AN ORGANIZER OR TAX FORM CHOOSING AN ORGANIZER OR TAX FORM

LISTING FORMS IN THE FORMS LIST WINDOW

Refer to the following table to increase your understanding of the forms available in the Forms List window.

CHOOSING AN ORGANIZER OR TAX FORM

1. Find the desired Organizer Form or Tax Form in the Forms List window.

2. Double-click the form’s icon to show the form in the Forms window. The Tax Application offers the following shortcuts for choosing a form:

SELECT OR CLICK

TO SEE THIS RESULT

View | Forms List Turn the Forms List window on and off.

Organizer tab Show a list of Organizer Forms.

Tax Forms tab Show a list of Tax Forms.

View | Active Forms Show only those forms containing data.

View | Expand Forms List Open a Forms List window folder to show all the contained forms.

View | Collapse Forms List Close a Forms List window folder so that the contained forms are not shown.

ON THE VIEW MENU,

SELECT...

OR CLICK

TO SEE THIS RESULT

Previous Show the form associated with the previous form in the Forms List window.

Next Show the form associated with the next form in the Forms List window.

History Show a list of forms accessed in the current session.

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KEYBOARD AND MOUSE SHORTCUTS KEYBOARD AND MOUSE SHORTCUTS

KEYBOARD AND MOUSE SHORTCUTS

Use the keyboard and mouse shortcuts in the three tables that follow to speed up your Tax Application commands. This table explains basic keyboard commands:

Next in History Show the form associated with the next entry in the History List.

Previous in History

Show the form associated with the previous entry in the History List.

ON THE VIEW MENU,

SELECT...

OR CLICK

TO SEE THIS RESULT

SHORTCUT DESCRIPTION

F6 Toggle cursor between the Forms List and the Window.

Tab Move the cursor to the next field on the screen.

Shift + Tab Move the cursor to the prior field on the screen.

Enter Open the selected return(s).

Move to the next field or line in an entry box.

Open the selected form.

Right Arrow Open the selected folder in the Forms List window.

Left Arrow Close the selected folder in the Forms List window.

Up Arrow Navigate up the Forms List window.

Down Arrow Navigate down the Forms List window.

Ctrl + Right Arrow Move the cursor to the next tab on a screen with multiple tabs.

Ctrl + Left Arrow Move the cursor to the prior tab.

Ctrl + Y Toggle the Forms List on and off.

Ctrl + T Open Ticks.

Ctrl + L Activate the Lock feature.

Ctrl + D Clear Overrides.

Ctrl + N Select File | Create new returns.

Ctrl + O Select File | Open return.

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NAVIGATION TIPS NAVIGATION TIPS

NAVIGATION TIPS

Use the following tips to make your navigation process easier.

• To move through a window quickly, click below the down arrow in the right scroll bar. To move up in the same increment, click below the up arrow.

• Click the desired field (either using a Organizer Form or a Tax Form) and right-click to access related windows. This opens the Card File, including all related windows. Then, click the desired type of window (Organizer, Tax Form, and so forth) and double-click the desired item underneath that topic to directly access that item.

• To enter state information, open a return, select Organizer | States, and then select either Common States or the state for which you want to enter information.

Ctrl + P Select File | Print.

Alt + underlined letter

Select a menu bar option. After the menu is selected, pressing the underlined letter of the menu option either:

• selects that option (if followed by another cascading menu)

• activates that option (if the option does not lead to another menu).

Alt + K Activate the Auto Compute feature.

Alt + A;O Open the Organizer.

Alt + A;T Open Tax Forms.

Alt + A;N Open Notes.

Alt + V;U Move to Previous in History.

Alt + V;A Toggle Active Forms.

Alt + F4 Exit the return.

Page Up, Page Down

Move quickly through multiple screens.

Double-click Activate a drill-down hyperlink for a selected field or open the selected return(s).

F1 Activate Help.

SHORTCUT DESCRIPTION

14

ENTERING DATA

CHAPTER 2: USING THE TAX APPLICATIONS

ENTERING DATA

ENTERING DATA INTO ORGANIZER FORMS

We recommend that you enter data into Organizer Forms because:

• We design Organizer Forms to facilitate the input process.

• You can access Organizer Forms built-in help for entering data.

• Organizer Forms represent the lowest level of detail – data from an Organizer Form flows throughout a return wherever the data is applicable.

• The Tax Application uses data from Organizer Forms to determine which data will roll over to 2016.

You can enter data into Organizer Forms from source documents or completed Organizer booklets (1040 only).

1. Open the Forms List window to display the desired form.

2. Select the desired form.

3. Enter data using standard data entry and navigation techniques.

ADDING A NOTE TO A FIELD

Adding a note to a field alerts a reviewer to a field-specific open issue requiring resolution.

1. Click the appropriate field.

2. Select Edit | Insert | Note.

3. Select the type of note: footnote, missing items, note to file, note to next year, preparer notes, or reviewer notes.

4. Enter a title for the note.

5. Enter the text of the note.

6. Click OK to save the note.

LINKING AN OLE OBJECT

Linking an OLE object to a field attaches a dynamic (changing) picture or rendering to a return.

Note: Linked OLE objects, unlike embedded OLE objects, are no longer available after you archive a return.

15

ENTERING DATA ENTERING DATA

LINKING AN EXISTING OLE OBJECT TO A FIELD


2. Select Edit | Insert | Object.

3. In the Insert Object dialog box, select the Create From File check box.

4. Select the Link check box.

5. Click Browse to find the [drive:\path\filename] for the file you want to link to the client record. When you click Insert, the path to the selected file appears in the File field.

6. Select the Display as Icon option to display a standard icon in the Attachments List, or leave it blank to display a thumbnail rendering of the object.

7. Click OK.

EMBEDDING AN OLE OBJECT

Embedding an OLE object in a field attaches a copy of a static (unchanging) picture or rendering to a return.

Embedded OLE objects, unlike linked OLE objects, are still available after you archive a return.

EMBEDDING AN EXISTING OLE OBJECT IN A FIELD



3. In the Insert Object dialog box, select the Create From File check box to load a file into the client record as an OLE object. Selecting the Create New check box lets you create a new OLE file for a new object you will create.

4. Click Browse to find the [drive:\path\filename] for the file you want to add to the client record. When you select it and click Insert, it will appear in the File Name field.


6. Click OK.

EMBEDDING A NEW OLE OBJECT IN A FIELD



3. In the Insert Object dialog box, select the Create New check box. Note: Selecting the Create from File check box allows you to add an existing file as an OLE object.


16

ENTERING DATA ENTERING DATA

5. Select a file type for the new OLE object, such as Bitmap Image, Tax Application object, or Microsoft Word Document from the Object Type list.

6. Click OK. The application for the object type that you chose will open.

7. Create the object in the open application. Note: The newly created object will be locked.

8. Save your newly created data by selecting File | Save.

Note: The Close and Return to commands are usually found in the File menu of the native application.

VERIFYING LINKED OR EMBEDDED OLE OBJECT ATTACHMENTS

1. Select View | OLE Attachments.

2. Click an attachment listing to select it.

3. Click Edit to launch the source application and display the attached graphic.

4. When you finish verifying the graphic, close the source application.

5. When you finish reviewing the OLE object attachments, click OK to close the dialog box.

CHANGING LINKED OR EMBEDDED OLE OBJECT ATTACHMENTS

1. Select View | OLE Attachments.

2. Click an attachment listing to select it.

3. Click Edit to launch the source application and display the attached graphic.

4. Change the graphic as necessary. When you finish, save your changes and close the source application.

5. When you finish reviewing the OLE object attachments, select OK to close the dialog box.

PRINTING LINKED OR EMBEDDED OLE OBJECT ATTACHMENTS

1. Select File | Print.

2. Select the Print attachment check box.

3. Click OK to print the attachments with the tax return.

ESTABLISHING A DDE LINK

Establishing a DDE link to another Windows application is a good way to share data with another Windows application.

To establish a DDE link:

1. Open the appropriate application and display the appropriate document.

17

ENTERING DATA INTO TAX FORMS ENTERING DATA INTO TAX FORMS

2. Select the data value to be linked.

3. Select Edit | Copy to copy the data value to the clipboard.

4. Open the Tax Application and select the appropriate form.

5. Select the field to receive the linked data value.

6. Select Edit | Paste Link to display the linked data value in the field.

Note: DDE links can also be created as outbound links. Copy the link to the clipboard from the Tax Application. Then paste the link into another application (such as Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word).

ENTERING DATA INTO TAX FORMS

Enter data into Tax Forms only if you want to:

• process a short return with minimal data and interconnect calculations

• override an Organizer Form entry

• see the general impact of various tax positions.

Entering data into Tax Forms is not a recommended data entry method because the changes you make may not be carried forward to other essential places in the return or rolled over to 2016.




ENTERING DATA INTO WORKPAPERS

Entering data into workpapers is not a recommended data entry method because the changes you make may not be carried forward to other essential places in the return.

1. Drill-down from Tax Form fields to view the desired workpaper.

2. Review workpaper hyperlinks to display the desired workpaper.


DATA ENTRY TIPS

Follow these tips to make your data entry process easier and quicker:

• Use shortcut keys to perform frequently used operations. For example, Ctrl + F4 performs the same function as selecting File | Close. All available shortcut keys appear on the menus next to the applicable options.

• Press the Tab or Enter keys to move forward to different fields. To go to previous fields, press Shift + Tab or Shift + Enter to move the cursor backwards.

18

DELETING DATA DELETING DATA

• Type the first character of a description in drop-down boxes to move to the first occurrence of descriptions beginning with that character. This is quicker than scrolling through the window until you find a particular character.

DELETING DATA

The method that you use to delete data from a return depends upon whether or not a Delete icon appears beside that menu item in the Forms List window. This Delete icon (a small dark gray squared symbol) indicates which items may be deleted from the return directly from the Forms List window. The Delete icon is available for both Organizer and Tax Forms menu items.

Deleting from the Forms List window is the preferred method to quickly remove a particular item from the tax return. This deletion method is available only for those menu items showing the Delete icon beside them. To delete an item, select it on the Forms List window, and select Edit | Delete. A warning message appears before the item is deleted, and prompts you to confirm that you want to delete the item.

DELETING DATA IF THE DELETE ICON IS NOT PRESENT

To delete data from a specific field, select the field, and then select Edit | Delete. This deletes the data from that field only.

Special techniques are required for deleting 1041 activity data. To delete an activity (such as Rent and Royalty), follow these steps:

1. Select Income and Deductions | Rent and Royalty | Rent and Royalty Information.

2. Click Delete this Activity.

Note: To delete information from a screen (other than an activity form) that has an “Add New” entry associated with it, you MUST delete each input field associated with the item BEFORE deleting the “Add New” description. To delete an input field, select the field, and then select Edit | Delete or press the Delete key.

Important: If you delete the Add New description field and data appears on the Organizer or Tax Form screen associated with that description, the program includes the amounts in the return’s calculation unless you delete them. In such cases, a blank description field appears on the Forms List window for that item to allow you to access the related input screen and delete the “trapped data.”

For example, if you delete the contributor name field for “Noncash Contrib>500” (that is, the “key field”) is deleted but the related Organizer screen still contains input entries, a blank description field appears on the Forms List window to alert you to access that Organizer screen and delete the remaining input data.

19

REVIEWING THE RETURN REVIEWING THE RETURN

DELETING AN INPUT LINE FROM GROUP DATA

To delete an input line from group data (for example, interest income or other income and expenses), click the first field of that line item. Select Edit | Delete Line Item.

DELETING AN ITEM

To delete an item such as a depreciable asset, dividend income, or partner information, click the item’s description in the Forms List window, and then press the Delete key. A delete confirmation message appears. Click Yes to accept the message. This will delete all data associated with the depreciable asset, dividend income, or partner information. Please note that it may take a few minutes for the depreciable assets to delete on a return.

DELETING A STATE

Refer to the following table for instructions on deleting a state from your tax application.

REVIEWING THE RETURN

REVIEWING DIAGNOSTICS

Reviewing diagnostics helps you discover any inconsistencies, omissions or errors found during computation. Always review all diagnostics before processing a final return.

1. Select View | Diagnostics to display a dialog box.

TO DELETE STATES IN...

DO THIS...

1040 On the States | Add States/Cities Organizer, select None as the status for the state, and recompute. This option deletes all data for this return associated with the deleted state.

1041 On the States | Add/Delete States Organizer, uncheck the Activate (Mandatory for Calculations) box next to the state, and perform a recompute. This option deletes all data for this return associated with the deleted state.

1065 On the States | Add/Delete States Organizer, select the Delete radio button for the state you wish to delete, and press Enter. This option deletes all data for this return associated with the deleted state.

1120 On the States | Add/Delete | States and Cities or States | Add/Delete | Ohio Cities Organizers, select the Delete radio button for the state or taxing jurisdiction you wish to delete, and press Enter. This option deletes all data for this return associated with the deleted state or taxing jurisdiction.

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2. Select the Stay Visible check box (if you want the dialog box to remain open while reviewing diagnostics, overrides, and transfer errors).

3. Click the Diagnostics folder to expand it.

4. Click the Severe and Informational folders to expand them. You can expand the Electronic Filing folder as well.

5. To view an entire diagnostic description, click the diagnostic to select it, then select Details.

6. To jump to the location of a diagnostic, double-click the diagnostic.

7. When you are finished reviewing diagnostics, click Close to close the dialog box.

Note: Always correct entries that generate diagnostics by making changes directly to the Organizer Form where the diagnostic originated.

CLEARING OVERRIDES

Always clear all overrides before processing a final return. Clearing an override will redisplay the computed value.

1. Select the field in question.

2. Select Edit | Clear Overrides.

REVIEWING TAX FORMS

Reviewing Tax Forms helps you review the completeness and accuracy of all federal and state tax forms on screens that are facsimiles of final tax return forms.



3. Review the form information.

Note: Always correct Tax Form information by making changes directly to the Organizer where the information originated. By doing so, the Tax Application can perform cross-checking and other data security tests, as well as maintain the natural audit trail.

REVIEWING NOTES

The Notes List window displays a list of existing notes.

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UNDERSTANDING THE NOTES LIST WINDOWRefer to the following table to learn about the Notes List window.

LISTING NOTES IN THE NOTES LIST WINDOWRefer to the following table to learn about listing notes in the Notes List window.

VIEWING NOTESViewing notes discovers any open issues requiring resolution.

1. Select Access | Notes.

2. Open the Notes List window to show all notes.

3. Find the desired note in the Notes List window.

4. Double-click the Note to display the note in the Notes window.

5. Close the Notes List window.

The Notes feature also offers the following shortcuts for choosing a note for viewing:

ICON NAME DESCRIPTION

Closed Folder This folder can be expanded to list existing notes. Double-click to open.

Open Folder This folder has already been expanded to list existing notes. Double-click to close.

SELECT TO COMPLETE THIS TASK

View | Expand Node Open a Notes List window folder to list all the contained notes.

View | Collapse Node Close a Notes List window folder so that the contained notes are not shown.

View | Sort | By Name Sort notes by Note name.

View | Sort | By Date Sort notes in chronological order.


View | Previous Show the note associated with the previous note in the Notes List window.

View | Next Show the note associated with the next note in the Notes List window.

View | Previous Group Show the note associated with the first note in the previous folder in the Notes List window.

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REVIEWING HYPERLINKS REVIEWING HYPERLINKS

REPLYING TO A NOTEReplying to a note resolves an open issue.


2. Open the Notes List window to display the desired note.

3. Enter your response in the Response box.

ADDING A NOTE TO A RETURNAdding a note to a return alerts a reviewer to a general open issue requiring resolution.


2. Open the folder for the desired note category.

3. Double-click Add New to display a dialog box.

4. Complete the fields as indicated in the section on Adding a Note to a Field on page 15.

DELETING A NOTEDeleting a note shreds a review note in accordance with company policy. Make sure that you select the correct note to delete before doing so.


2. Open the Notes List window to display all notes.

3. Find the desired note in the Notes List window.

4. Press the Delete key.

5. When the Notes feature asks if you want to delete the note, click Yes to delete the note.

REVIEWING HYPERLINKS

REVIEWING WORKPAPER/ORGANIZER/TAX FORM HYPERLINKSReviewing hyperlinks determines the source of every number in the final tax return. Make sure that you review the following types of hyperlinks:

• Workpaper hyperlinks to reconcile intermediate amounts that support calculations.

• Organizer hyperlinks to reconcile calculations to source data.

• Tax Form hyperlinks to reconcile source data to calculations.

View | Next Group Show the note associated with the first note in the next folder in the Notes List window.


23


REVIEWING DRILL-DOWN HYPERLINKSReviewing a drill-down hyperlink verifies source data for a computed field because it provides easy access to the source data.

1. Select the computed field.

2. Double-click the field to display the source data for the computed field.

REVIEWING DIRECT-TO-ORGANIZER HYPERLINKSReviewing a direct-to-Organizer hyperlink verifies source data for a field because it provides easy access to the lowest level of source detail supporting the field.

1. Click the Tax Form field that you want to review.

2. Select Access | Organizer to display the Organizer Form input area for the Tax Form area:

REVIEWING OLE OBJECT ATTACHMENTSReviewing linked or embedded OLE object attachments verifies, changes or prints attached pictures or renderings from other applications.

REVIEWING DDE LINKSReviewing DDE links verifies data shared with other applications.

1. Select Edit | Links.

2. Click a link, and then click Connect to launch the source application and display the linked data.

3. When you finish verifying the data, close the source application.

REVIEWING OVERRIDESReviewing overrides discovers any discrepancies between entered and computed values. Always review and clear all overrides before processing a final return.

1. Select View | Overrides.

2. Select the Stay Visible check box if you want the dialog box to remain open while you review diagnostics, overrides, and transfer errors.

3. Click the Overrides folder to expand it.

4. Double-click the override to jump to the location of a listed override.

REVIEWING WORKPAPER HYPERLINKS1. Click the field that you want to review.

2. Select View | Hyperlinks

3. Click the Work paper folder to expand it.

4. Select the appropriate work paper option to display this related area of the return.

Note: Tax Review workpapers, which link 2015 source data to the final tax return amounts by presenting all adjustments made to source amounts, provide a concise and complete audit trail of the federal 1040 tax return.

24


Because they show complete input-to-output, number-by-number reconciliation, differences, and variances from 2014 amounts, you can use them to pinpoint areas of concern and areas for further investigation.

REVIEWING ORGANIZER HYPERLINKS1. Click the field that you want to review.


3. Click the Organizer folder to expand it.

4. Select the appropriate Organizer Form option to display this related area of the return.

REVIEWING TAX FORM HYPERLINKS1. Click the field that you want to review.


3. Select the Tax Form folder to expand it.

4. Select the appropriate Tax Form option to display this related area of the return.

REVIEWING THE TAX SUMMARY

Reviewing a federal or state tax summary quickly and easily assesses the overall impact of a change to a return because it shows the key elements of a return, such as income, deductions, exemptions, taxable income, tax, credits, and balance due/overpayment.

To review a tax summary, do one of the following:

• Click any field on a federal/state Organizer Form or Tax Form, and then click

to display the corresponding federal/state tax summary in the Forms window.

• Find the Tax Summary form in the Forms List window, and double-click it to display the tax summary in the Forms window.

USING TAX REVIEW

1040 Tax Review, which prepares an electronic tax file folder for each taxpayer, helps you to:

• Ensure that all relevant information about a return is available to everyone for preparation and review.

• Document any issues that affect future years.

• Provide an on-screen audit trail of the entire return.

Tax Review is an optional product. Please contact your Thomson Reuters representative for more information.

25

DOCUMENTING RETURN ACTIVITY DOCUMENTING RETURN ACTIVITY

REVIEWING TIPS

As a general rule, review diagnostics and overrides prior to creating a print file.

You may find reviewing through Tax Forms before reviewing through Print Preview a more efficient way to review. In Tax Forms, you can review the output onscreen in IRS form format. Fields are linked to sourcing areas. If you want to change an item, access the source screen and make changes.

Use the Print Preview feature to view the return exactly as it will print, including supporting white paper statements. Click the See Statement XX phrase on the form to view the applicable white paper statement. Click the white paper statement to return to the form. You cannot make changes directly on Print Preview screens. To make changes, return to the Organizer screen where the data was entered.

DOCUMENTING RETURN ACTIVITY

The Tax Application shows a dialog box for documenting return activity when you exit a Tax Application if your settings match the descriptions below:

• Your processing defaults are set to display the Close dialog box.

• Your user profile is set to require time logging.

• Your task list is set to require time logging.

You may or may not have rights to modify these settings. Check with your administrator.

When you exit the return, select the appropriate milestone from the listing, and click OK.

COMPLETING RETURN ACTIVITY TASKS

When you document return activity, you can complete the following types of tasks:

• Assigning a milestone: Tracks the current activity being performed on the return.

• Assigning a task: Tracks return preparation time for billing purposes. This function also allows you to maintain a chronological history on each step of the tax return completed. It lists the date the work was done as well as the person performing the task and the houses expended.

• Logging return preparation time: Documents return preparation time for billing purposes.

PROCESSING TIPS

Maximize screens so you can see more of the screen at a time. Click the button in the upper right corner of a partially-sized screen to maximize the screen.

When any error occurs, restart the workstation before continuing. Otherwise, you may lose data.

26

Close windows that are not currently in use. Multiple open windows consume memory. A good rule of thumb is to close a window before opening another.

Review the tutorials for an overview of how to use the tax application.

Use Help to answer questions about how a particular item on an Organizer works.

27

CHAPTER 3: PRINTING THE RETURN

The print client for printing and previewing your return is now available for all the applications.

This chapter covers procedures for printing to a printer or PDF. For information on printing to FileCabinet CS or GoFileRoom, please see the DMS Integration Guide.

Advantages of the print system include:

• Preview opens in a new window, allowing continued access to Tax Form pages while Preview is open.

• Within Preview, attachments open in new windows, allowing side-by-side viewing of forms and attachments.

• The tree on the left can be expanded and collapsed.

• Powerful right-click options on the left tree enable intuitive printing of subsets within the document or a “Quick Print” of the viewed page within the collection.

• From the Print Selection screen, you have enhanced granular choices to choose to generate print for only a subset of the return.

• When deciding whether to use an existing print file, you can see the date and time when the print file was generated.

• Menu choices are dynamic in Preview Return.

• You can now print an unlimited number of continuation pages for Form 706 schedules.

• You can “refresh” the print file with updated data while previewing.

• Tool bar buttons allow quick access to printing options.

• You can preview the print file by copy type.

• You can use enhanced K-1 Package Print and Preview abilities.

28

USING PRINT USING PRINT

USING PRINT

Two options are available for print:

• Print Entire Return

• Preview Return.

Both options are available on the File menu in the return and as push buttons on the tool bar.

FIGURE 1

The following toolbar is accessible for all applications:

FIGURE 2

29

PRINTING FROM “PRINT ENTIRE RETURN” PRINTING FROM “PRINT ENTIRE RETURN”

PRINTING FROM “PRINT ENTIRE RETURN”

To print the entire return, do the following:

1. From the File menu in the return, select Print Entire Return, or click the Print button. The following dialog box opens:

FIGURE 3

2. Select the option for Entire Return (if the application you are in has that option).

3. To print the return to a printer, select the option for Printer. If you have multiple printers and/or wish to print multiple copies, select the hyperlink for Select printer & copies.

4. To print the return to a PDF, select that option.

Click the Select button to the right of File Path to select the location on your hard drive where you will store the PDF.

Click the Select button to the right of File Name to change the default name of the PDF.

30


If you want to overwrite an existing PDF, select the check box for Overwrite Existing. If you wish to open the PDF after it is saved, select the check box for Open PDF after saving.

FIGURE 4

31


5. Select the copy type(s) for your return: All (formerly Preparer), Taxpayer, and/or Government. You may select any or all of these.

FIGURE 5

6. If you want to include your notes in the print file, check the Print Notes check box. (Print Notes is not currently available for 1040, 1065, and 1120.)

32


7. Click OK. Your print file will now generate, and you will see a message similar to that below during the file generation.

FIGURE 6

PRINTING THE K-1 PACKAGESTo print the K-1 Packages, do the following:

33


1. From the File menu in the return, select Print Entire Return. The following dialog box appears.

FIGURE 7

2. Select the option for K-1 Packages (if the application you are in has that option).

3. To print the K-1 Package to a printer, select the option for Printer. If you have multiple printers and/or wish to print multiple copies, select the hyperlink for Select printer & copies.

4. To print the K-1 Package to a PDF, select the option for PDF.

Click the Select button to the right of File Path to select the location on your hard drive where you will store the PDF.

Click the Select button to the right of File Prefix to change the default name of the PDF.

If you want to overwrite an existing PDF, select the check box for Overwrite Existing.

34


5. Select the option to Create a separate file for each beneficiary if you want a separate PDF for each.

FIGURE 8

6. Click OK.

35

PREVIEWING THE RETURN PREVIEWING THE RETURN

PREVIEWING THE RETURN

To preview the return, do the following:

1. From the File menu in the return, select Preview Return, or click the Preview tax return button. The following screen appears:

FIGURE 9

2. The left panel in the dialog contains the list of forms that you can select to preview. The default is to preview all pages in the return. For 1041, 706, 709, 990, and 5500, you can unmark the check boxes for those pages you do not wish to preview.

FIGURE 10

36


For 1040, 1065, and 1120, you can choose the appropriate node that indicates the pages that you wish to preview.

FIGURE 11

Applications with K-1 Package options or Batch Estimate & Extension options will have radio button options at the top of the left panel that allow you to view a different set of pages.

FIGURE 12

If you right-click an available folder or page in the left panel, the following menu will appear.

FIGURE 13

37


Some selections may contain multiple pages. To view the available pages within those selections, click the right arrow, or double-click the folder description.

FIGURE 14

FIGURE 15

38


3. The right panel of the dialog contains the following options:

FIGURE 16

• Create New File Preview: This generates a new print file of the pages you have selected in the left panel. This button gives you the same result as File | Preview Selected Pages.

• Cancel: This allows you to cancel the preview.

• Print Notes: When you check this box, the generated print file will include notes. (Print Notes is not currently available for 1040, 1065, and 1120.)

39


• Preview Existing File Preview: This opens the existing print file from the given date and time. If data has changed since the existing print file creation, the Preview Existing File button will alert you as follows:

FIGURE 17

You WILL still be allowed to open the out-of-date file.

DYNAMIC FORM SELECTIONS, TOOLBARS, AND MENUS

DYNAMIC FORM SELECTIONNotice that, when you select Preview in the right panel, a file is created and opened in a preview window where the selections in the left panel change to only those pages that actually exist in the return. All extraneous page options are deleted.

FIGURE 18

40


If you right-click an available folder or page in the left panel, the following menu appears.

FIGURE 19

HELPFUL HINTS If you click a folder or page in the left panel, hold the SHIFT key and then click again on another folder or page, you will multi-select that range of pages. This feature automatically unselects all the check boxes and selects only those in the range you have chosen.

Note: If you right-click a folder or page, you now have options to “Check All” and “Uncheck All.”

If you click the previewed page in the right panel, hold the CTRL key, and scroll with the mouse wheel, the page will zoom in or out.

41


DYNAMIC TOOLBARSYou will also see a new toolbar that appears above the left and right panels:

FIGURE 20

You can do the following with this toolbar:

• Back to Print Selection: This allows you to return to the Print Selection screen.

• Refresh: If your return data has changed, this option updates your print file with the new data.

• Expand All: Select this if you wish to expand all the folders in the left panel.

• Collapse All: Select this if you wish to collapse all the folders in the left panel.

• Print: Print the selected pages to a printer. When you click this option, the Windows print dialog appears.

• Send to PDF: This sends selected pages to a PDF document.

• *Send to FileCabinet CS: Add and send to DMS if you wish (FileCabinet CS).

• *Send to GoFileRoom: Add and send to DMS if you wish (GoFileRoom).

* Will appear if FileCabinet CS or GoFileRoom is licensed.

Another toolbar appears dynamically when you select Preview. This second toolbar appears above the right panel:

FIGURE 21

Use this toolbar to navigate through and change the on-screen display of your preview.

This icon shows the copy type selected. In this example, the copy type is All.

Use the navigation arrows to scroll through your document.

This drop-down list shows the type of document currently displayed in the right panel below this toolbar.

Send the page displayed in the right panel to the default printer (“Quick Print”).

Use this icon to “zoom out” on the page display.

42


DYNAMIC MENUSThe menus also change dynamically when you select Preview.

FILE MENU

The File menu changes from that shown on page 36 to the menu shown below:

FIGURE 22

The following options are available:

• Print: This option opens the Windows print dialog and allows you to select a printer, page range, and number of copies.

• Quick Print “xx”: Use this option to send the displayed page to the default printer.

• Print Pages for “xx”: This allows you to send the highlighted folder to the default printer.

• Send to PDF: This option allows you to print to a PDF document.

• Back to Print Selection: This option allows you to return to your starting point and select other pages to preview.

• Refresh: If your return data has changed, this option updates your print file with the new data.

• Exit: Exit the print program.

Use this drop-down box to select the size of your screen display.

Use this icon to “zoom in” on the page display.

43


COPY TYPE MENU

The Copy Type menu now allows you to select the copy type: All, Taxpayer, and/or Government.

FIGURE 23

44

TAX APPLICATION ERRORS

45

CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING AND UTILITIES

TAX APPLICATION ERRORS

You may encounter the following types of errors while working within the Tax Application.

ERROR # 155 CORRUPT ALLOCATION FILES Delete the files beginning with the letters Q and U. The last digit and file extension of the files will be either “6.ALO” or “6.DAT.”

ERROR # 158 DAMAGED RETURN Damaged files usually include locator or print files. Use the rebuild utility to repair damaged locator files. For print files, indicated by the file extension .MAT, have your System Administrator delete the file.

ERROR # 30 LOCATOR DAMAGED Error # 30 indicates a seriously damaged locator. You can try to rebuild the tax return. However, you will probably need to send this locator to Thomson Reuters for repair.

REBUILDING A TAX RETURN

Use this option to rebuild a return.

1. Select the return using Returns | Find Return.

2. Once you have selected the return, select Returns | View Return Information.

3. Click the Rebuild button.

4. The rebuild process may take several minutes to complete. Avoid opening the return during this process or submitting more rebuild jobs.

5. Use the History option to see when the process is complete.

FREEING A RETURN

Use this option to identify the return you want to release from the current application server. This button will work only if you have rights to free returns and are working on the return at the time you wish to free it.

1. Select the return using Returns | Find Return.

2. Once you have selected the return, select Returns | View Return Information.

3. Click the Free button.

CASE STUDIES

CHAPTER 5: LEARNING BY DOING

CASE STUDIES

Case Studies provide hands-on experience with the basics of preparing a return. Some case studies target a specific area, such as depreciation, while others are more general. Each case study takes between 20 to 45 minutes to complete, depending on the preparer’s expertise.

CARSON RETURN

The 1040 Carson case study teaches tax application navigation. You should complete this case study first.

HOW TO USE CASE STUDIES

1. From the RS Browser top menu, select Help | Case Studies.

2. Select the type of case study: Master, Preparer, or New.

• If you select Master, a list of Master Cases appears. Each case has a Case ID, return type, taxpayer name, description and facts. Click the Case ID or Facts hotspots to view more information about the case. Master Cases are finished returns with correct answers. Use the Master Cases to determine how to correctly complete your return. Master Cases can be printed.

• If you select Preparer, select the preparer name whose case studies you want to list. Select the case you want to open.

• If you select New, select the type of case study from the drop-down list. New case studies automatically assign the person who creates them as the preparer. See Case Study Topics to see a list and description of the case studies.

CREATING A NEW CASE STUDY

The only locators that can be created are duplicates of the Master Case Studies found in the Case Studies menu. These Master Case locators have some data already entered.

To create a new Case Study return:

1. First review the Master Cases and look at the facts to determine which return best fits your needs.

2. Next move to the New Case Studies menu item and enter the Master Case Study to copy and enter the relevant information for the new return.

3. Enter a fictitious taxpayer name, spouse name, and client code in the appropriate fields.

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CASE STUDIES CASE STUDIES

Note: To make your case study unique in the Tax Register, you can code your case study names. For example, if your initials are RN and you are working on the Carson case study, type RNCARSON as the taxpayer’s last name. You should include the case name in the Name field to identify the case data duplicated into the return.

4. Enter a password if you want to password-protect your case study, and reenter the password to confirm it.

5. Click Add to continue.

6. After entering general information for the new return, click Add and then Close.

7. To find the new Case you just created, open the Case Studies | Preparer option on the Case Studies menu tree.

8. Select the Case Studies year of your new return and your user ID, and select Continue.

9. A list of Case Studies that you have created will be listed in the Preparer Cases list.

10. Open the Preparer Case Study you just created. You will see the Organizer and Tax Form data entry navigation and screens.

CASE STUDY TOPICS

The table below gives a brief description of the topics covered in each case study.

RETURN TYPE

CASE STUDY NAME DESCRIPTION

1040 Carson, Frank & Marilyn Basic return – Wages, Dividends, Interest, Business Income

1040 Doe, John & Mary Expatriate, Foreign Income, Physical Presence test

1040 Frazer, Thomas & Deborah Comprehensive Individual return

1040 Sands, Charles & Freda AMT, Passive, Schedule K-1, Stock Options,

Self-Employed Insurance and SE Tax

1040 Stuart, Jerry & Shirley Farm, Depreciation, Sec 179, Luxury Auto, 2106, 2441, 3803, Mortgage Int. and Points, Sale of Home

1041 Allen Trust Basic return – Fiduciary beneficiary data entry training return

1041 Walton Trust Comprehensive Trust – Complex trust, required and discretionary distributions, rental income, gains

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CARSON CASE STUDY CARSON CASE STUDY

CARSON CASE STUDY

Designed for new users, the Carson case guides you through the basics of preparing a return with fictitious clients Frank and Marilyn. This practice exercise also teaches many aspects of navigation.

In this case study, you:

• go through the basics of preparing a return

• review the return on-screen

• print the return.

While you are preparing the return. you:

• learn tax application navigation techniques

• access the Hyperlink List, Workpapers, Tax Forms and other system components.

The Carson 1040 tax return covers these areas:

• understanding basic data entry techniques

• navigating through the system

• using Organizer

• using Tax Forms

• understanding tax return review procedures

• printing the return.

1065 Dallas Partners Comprehensive Partnership return, Trial Balance Bridge, Partner Import, Transfers, Special Allocations

1065 TOP Partnership Partnership/Partner information, Transfers, Nonrecourse liabilities, Cash distributions

1120 Bedford, Inc. Basic return – Income, Deductions, Depreciation

Schedule D, E, L, M-1

1120 Bonco, Inc. Learn to bridge DIF Files, Journal entries

1120 Tally, Inc. Comprehensive 1120 return – Bridge, Income, Deductions, Depreciation, Taxes, and States

1120 SBC, Inc. Comprehensive 1120S return – Shareholder information, Sch K, Income, Depreciation, States

RETURN TYPE

CASE STUDY NAME DESCRIPTION

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GETTING STARTED ON THE CARSON RETURN

BEFORE YOU STARTBefore you begin working on the Carson return, complete the following tasks:

1. Create a Carson case study locator.

2. Access the Carson locator that you created.

3. Download and print the case study facts. These facts are also available on our Customer Center site. Search for Carson Case Study Facts, and download the PDF from there.

THE SCENARIOYour firm prepared sample clients Frank and Marilyn’s 2015 1040 tax return. You will prepare their current year tax return. Your Administrator has rolled their files over to 2016.

THE CASE STUDY FACTSStart by reading the facts that you printed out. These facts are also available on our Customer Center site. Search for Carson Case Study Facts, and download the PDF from there.

AFTER YOU COMPLETE THE CARSON RETURN

REVIEWING THE RETURN As with any other return, you will want to review the Carson Case Study Return to ensure that all information and calculations are correct.

COMPARING CASE STUDIESAfter you have completed the Carson Case Study, you can compare your entries with those of the master return that Thomson Reuters completed using the same data.

1. Select Help | Case Study Comparison.

2. When the comparison screen opens, click Transfer correct answers to this return from the Master return.

Note: Differences between your amounts and the amounts in the return are noted in the Differences column. If you enter all of your data correctly, there are no entries in the Differences column. If you see differences that appear incorrect, select File | Full recompute.

COMPUTING BEFORE REVIEWBefore reviewing the return, compute all the amounts you entered. Select File | Full Compute.

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THE REVIEWReview the return on screen and make any desired changes before printing. The review process consists of:

• reviewing diagnostics and overrides

• reviewing through Tax Forms

• reviewing Workpapers

• entering corrections and changes

• reviewing through Print Preview.

To view the diagnostics, select View | Diagnostics, and then double-click the Diagnostics folder. Diagnostic information appears according to type: severe, informational, or electronic filing. You can jump to the screen where the diagnostic problem exists by either double-clicking the diagnostic or clicking GoTo. Select the diagnostic and click Details to see more information on the diagnostic.

Viewing and accessing overrides works like the review of diagnostics. Select View | Diagnostics, and then double-click the Overrides folder. Double-click the override to jump to the screen where the override exists.

Note: If you have entered data only through the Organizer screens, no overrides should exist.

REVIEWING THROUGH TAX FORMS1. Select Tax Forms | Federal.

2. Double-click the tax form you want to review. When the tax form opens, the amounts you entered into the case study return will appear in the appropriate field. Calculations are made automatically.

3. If you need to change an entry, go back to the Organizer screen. The tax form updates automatically.

REVIEWING THROUGH WORKPAPERSReviewing workpapers ensures the accuracy of the return and allows you to view the specific portion of the return that relates to the field that you selected.

1. On the Tax Forms tab, select Federal | 1040 - Individual Income Tax Return, and then scroll to Line 7 - Wages.

2. Click the field or amount in question.

3. Select View | Hyperlinks, or double-click the amount.

4. Double-click the Workpaper folder to expand it.

5. Select the appropriate Workpaper to display the appropriate portion of the form.

6. You can double-click the workpaper amount to return to the organizer or another tax form.

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REVIEWING THROUGH PRINT PREVIEWViewing a Print Preview version of the return lets you see a finished copy before you actually print.

1. Select File | Print Preview.

2. Select the type of print file that you want to preview from the dialog box.

3. Select one or more of the following print options: preparer copy, taxpayer copy, and/or government copy.

4. Click OK. A message box will open while the print file generates.

5. When the print file finishes generating, click the folder, then select the form that you want to view from the Forms List window.

ENTERING CORRECTIONS AND CHANGESEnter corrections and changes in the Organizer form, not in the Tax Forms or Workpapers. Data entered in the Organizer form automatically updates the return, and calculations are made automatically. However, data entered directly into the Tax Forms is not updated in the Organizer, nor are calculations automatically made. Only Organizer data copies over to subsequent return years.

PRINTING THE CARSON RETURN

PRINTING FROM PRINT PREVIEW1. Select File | Print. You will print the completed tax form you are viewing.

2. When the Print dialog box opens, make the selections you want.

3. Click OK. To exit the tax return, select File | Exit.

SELECTIVE PRINTING FROM PRINT PREVIEW1. Select the form that you wish to print on the Forms List window.

2. Select File | Print.

3. When the Print dialog box opens, select the current selection.

4. Click OK. You will print the completed tax form that you selected.

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CHAPTER 6: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

ASTERISK - BLUE. * Override that matches the computed value exists for the associated field.

ASTERISK - RED. * Override that differs from the computed value exists for the associated field.

ATTACHMENT. -An object is attached to the associated field.

AUTO COMPUTE. Select this feature to continually compute in the background as you move to other areas of the return and enter data.

CASE STUDIES. Tax returns designed for training. Master case study returns consist of completed case studies with correct answers. The software automatically compares your case study to the master and displays any differences.

CLOSED FOLDER. This category of information can be expanded to list individual items. Can appear with plus symbols on the left.

COMPUTE. When the tax application computes a return, it:

• performs internal checks and cross-checks

• generates diagnostic messages where applicable

• performs calculations on input data

• generates override symbols where applicable

• carries the results of calculations into the proper areas on Tax Forms and supporting schedules.

Note: The compute time can be considerable. The compute remains in progress as long as the red “computing” light in the lower right corner of the screen continues to blink, if an hourglass is present, or as long as it says Computing in the lower right corner of the screen.

DATA - COMPUTED. Tax Application computed data in this field.

DATA - ENTERED. Preparer entered data in this field.

DIAGNOSTIC. Tax application-generated message that alerts you to potential problems in data input.

DIF. .DIF (Data Interchange Format) file format universally used to exchange data between different software systems.

• To import to the Tax Application, select File | Import | From DIF File.

• To export from the Tax Application, select File | Export | To DIF File.

DRILL-DOWN HYPERLINK. Link to the source of the selected field.

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EXPORT - NOTE

Most computed fields contain a drill-down hyperlink. However, fields that perform a summation, subtraction, and so forth usually do not have a drill-down hyperlink.

Drill-down destinations can be Tax Forms, Workpapers, or Organizers, depending on the individual field or screen.

For example, a drill-down hyperlink from a Tax Form often leads to a supporting Workpaper. A drill-down hyperlink from a Workpaper often leads to another Workpaper or to an Organizer.

EXPORT. Selectable feature that sends a tax application file(s) to another application.

FIELD -- EDITABLE. Field contains text that can be edited.

FIELD -- NON-EDITABLE. Protected field, most often a result of a computation of Organizer entries.

FULL RECOMPUTE. Selectable feature that lets you completely recalculate an entire return, including all Workpapers and attachments.

HISTORY. Selectable navigation feature that displays a list of all forms that you have viewed since accessing Organizer or Tax Forms.

HYPERLINK. Hyperlinks join or “link” areas of a return that provide easy movement between related forms, data entry areas, and Workpapers.

For example, the Tax Application hyperlinks a 1120 form showing interest income to a Workpaper detailing interest income.

IMPORT. Selectable feature that introduces a file from another application into the Tax Application.

LIST WINDOW. A list window displays a list of available items within your view: Organizer, Tax Forms, Notes, Preview forms, and so forth.

The Tax Application displays a list window by default on the left side of your screen. You can toggle the display on or off.

LOCATOR. All the tax data in a file assigned to a unique locator number. Thomson Reuters uses the terms return, tax return, and locator interchangeably.

LOCK MARK. -The associated field is locked, preventing any changes to the data in the field until the lock is removed. You can toggle this feature on or off by right-clicking the field and selecting Lock from the submenu.

MENU BAR. The menu bar, displayed across the top of the Tax Application window, provides mouse and keyboard access to all Tax Application commands.

MILESTONE. Marker that indicates the activity state of a return.

For example, if you are in the process of preparing a return, you might choose the Preparation milestone. If you are awaiting information to complete a return, you might choose the Waiting Info milestone.

You can show milestone information for each displayed return.

MINUS. -This category of information has been expanded to list individual items.

NOTE. -A note exists for the associated field.

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OLE ATTACHMENT - TASK

OLE ATTACHMENT. An OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) object contains a picture or graphic (not actual data) from another application that you attach to a return using a Windows-standard form of data exchange.

You may attach an OLE object by:

• Linking it: Establishes a link to the original data source. The link works one way only; if the source data changes, the attached OLE object updates automatically.

• Embedding it: Makes a copy of the original data source and inserts the copy in the return. There is no link to the original data source; if the source data changes, the attached object does not update automatically.

OPEN FOLDER. -This category of information has been expanded to list individual items. Can appear with a minus symbol on the left.

ORGANIZER FORM. An Organizer Form represents the lowest level of detail. Data from an Organizer Form flows throughout a return wherever the data is applicable.

You can always distinguish an Organizer Form from a Tax Form because the Organizer screen background is gray.

OVERRIDE. An override occurs when you enter data into an Organizer, Workpaper, Form or Tax Form field normally reserved for a computed value.

An override blocks any data the Tax Application tries to carry to that field.

A blue asterisk * means the override value matches the computed value. A red asterisk * means the override value differs from the computed value.

PLUS. -This category of information can be expanded to list individual items.

PRINT FILE. Result of printing a return to a file, which can then be sent to a printer. You must create a print file whenever you want to print a return later.

PRINT PREVIEW. Selectable feature that provides an on-screen view of a completed return’s actual print file. You can see all forms, schedules, and supporting statements, including actual transmittal letter and filing instructions.

RETURN. All the tax data in a file assigned to a unique locator number. Thomson Reuters uses the terms return, tax return, and locator interchangeably.

RIGHTS. User rights control the functions you may access in the Tax Application. Your Administrator sets these rights.

STATUS BAR. The status bar, displayed at the bottom of the Tax Application window, describes:

Menu and toolbar functions (left side)

If any of the following keys are engaged (right side):

• CAP: Caps Lock key

• NUM: Num Lock key

• SCRL: Scroll Lock key

TASK. Special activity you can use to categorize time spent working on a return. You can display return activity using the Time Log feature.

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TAX APPLICATION -

TAX APPLICATION. A Tax Application refers to form-specific tax products, such as 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 5500, 990, 706, and 709.

TAX FORM. A Tax Form resembles an actual federal or state government form, and provides an efficient method for reviewing the completeness and accuracy of a return.

You can always distinguish a Tax Form from an Organizer Form because the tax form screen background is white.

TAX RETURN. All the tax data in a file assigned to a unique locator number. Thomson Reuters uses the terms return, tax return, and locator interchangeably.

TICK MARK. -The associated field is flagged to indicate the number has been reviewed and is accurate. You can toggle this feature on or off by right-clicking the field and selecting Tick from the submenu.

TITLE BAR. The title bar is the top line on your screen or dialog box, and contains the name of the return year, type, and account that you are currently using. To move the window or dialog box, click and drag the title bar.

TOOLBAR. The toolbar, displayed across the top of the Tax Application window and below the menu bar, provides quick mouse access to commonly used commands.

The Tax Application displays a brief one- or two-word description for each toolbar item as you pass your pointer across the toolbar.

The Tax Application also displays a longer description for each toolbar item in the status bar when you click the item with your mouse but before you release the mouse button. If, after viewing the description, you do not want to perform the command, release the mouse button while the pointer is off the toolbar item.

WORKPAPER. Workpapers display intermediate details that support calculations and totals appearing in a return, and therefore provide an audit trail for amounts on a Tax Form. You can always distinguish a Workpaper from Tax Forms or Organizer forms because the screen background is yellow.

.

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INDEX

Numerics

1040deleting states 20Tax Review 25

1041deleting data 19deleting states 20

1065deleting states 20

1120deleting states 20

A

access menu 10Active Forms view 11adding notes

to fields 15to returns 23

assigningmilestones 26

attachment symbol 15, 16attachments 15, 16

changing print position 24editing 24printing 24verifying 24

Attachments command 24

C

Carson case study 46comparing results 49compute 49diagnostics 49entering changes and corrections 51overrides 49printing through Print Preview 51review 50reviewing through Print Preview 51

reviewing through tax forms 50reviewing through workpapers 50

case studies 46Carson 46

compute 49diagnostics 49overrides 49review 50

comparing results 49entering corrections and changes 51printing through Print Preview 51reviewing through print preview 51reviewing through tax forms 50reviewing through workpapers 50topics 47using 46

closed folder symbol 11, 21closed note symbol 21

D

data entryreturn data 15

data links 15, 16, 17, 24data rollover 15, 18DDE 17, 24deleting

notes 23deleting items

depreciable assets 20dividend income 20partner information 20

deleting return data 19depreciable assets

deleting 20diagnostics 20, 26Diagnostics command 20direct-to-Organizer hyperlinks 24dividend income

deleting 20documenting return activity 26drill-down hyperlinks 24

56

565656

INDEX

E

edit menu 7embedding OLE objects 16entering data

into Organizer Forms 15return data 15, 16, 17, 18tips and shortcuts 18

errors# 155 corrupt allocation files 45# 158 damaged return 45# 30 locator damaged 45

establishing DDE links 17

F

file menu 6Forms List Window

listing forms 11managing 11

G

group datadeleting input lines 20

H

help menu 10hyperlinks

direct-to-Organizer 24drill-down 24Organizer 23, 25tax forms 23, 25workpaper 23, 24

I

input linesdeleting 20

Insert Note command 15Insert Object command 15, 16

L

linking OLE objects 15, 16links

data 15, 16, 17, 24Links command 24

M

menus 10access menu 10edit menu 7file menu 6help menu 10options 9tax application menu bar 6view menu 8

milestoneassigning 26

musical note symbol 15

N

navigatingin application 11

navigationin application 12tips 14

note symbol 15notes

adding to fields 15adding to returns 23deleting 23replying to 23viewing 22

Notes command 22, 23

O

OLE objects 24changing linked or embedded 17embedding 16linking 15, 16printing linked or embedded 17verifying linked or embedded 17

open folder symbol 11, 21

57

575757

INDEX

open note symbol 21options menu 9Organizer

hyperlinks 25Organizer forms 11, 23

choosing 12overrides 18, 24

clearing 21

P

paper clip symbol 15, 16partner information

deleting 20Paste Link command 17plus symbol 11

R

return activitydocumenting 26

return datachanging 15deleting 19entering 15, 17entering into tax forms 18entering into workpapers 18entry 15, 16tips and shortcuts 18

return summary 25returns

accuracy 21changing 20, 21completeness 21discrepancies 24errors 20freeing 45inconsistencies 20omissions 20processing 26rebuilding 45

Revert command 23reviewing

DDE links 24diagnostics 20direct-to-Organizer hyperlinks 24discrepancies 21, 24drill-down hyperlinks 24for accuracy 21

for completeness 21OLE attachments 24Organizer hyperlinks 23, 25overrides 24returns 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25tax form hyperlinks 23tax forms 21tax forms hyperlinks 25tax summary 25workpaper hyperlinks 23, 24

rollover 15, 18

S

shortcuts 13states

deleting 20symbols

attachment 15, 16closed folder 11, 21closed note symbol 21musical notes 15note 15open folder 11, 21open note 21paper clip 15, 16plus 11

T

tax application menu bar 6tax application toolbar 1tax forms 11, 18

choosing 12hyperlinks 23, 25

Tax Review 25tax summary 25toolbar

tax application 1tracking return activity 26

V

view menu 8

58

585858

INDEX

W

workpapersentering data 18hyperlinks 23, 24

59

595959