i

TAXTIME USA, INC.

MICHIGAN SALES TAX EXPRESS®

2015 Michigan Sales, Use & Withholding Tax Program

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

License Agreement iii

I. Hardware Requirements 1

II. Forms Generated 1

III. Installation 2

Single User 2

IV. Network 3

Register MI Sales Tax Express 4-5

Create MI Sales Tax Express Icon for Network Stations 5

Error Messages & recommended solutions 6

V. Getting Started 6

VI. General Menu Overview 7-8

VII. Icon Definitions for Tool Bar 8

VIII. Import From PPT Express / Business Startup 9-10

IX. Proforma 2014 Data to 2015 10-12

X. New Client File 12

XI. Edit a Return 12-13

XII. Doing a Return

General Information screen 13-14

Combined Returns (See also page 20) 14-15

Sales & Use Tax Worksheet Preparation 16-18

Gasoline Retailer Supplemental Information Preparation 19-20

Bottle Reimbursement 21

Combined Returns (continued from page 14) 21

Annual Return Preparation 22

Worksheet summary 23

XIII. Print Preview 24

XIV. Print a Return 25

XV. Batch Printing 26

XVI. Client/State Mailing Labels 27-28

XVII. Client Status Report 29

XVIII. System Configuration

Firm Name, Address, Phone and ID 30

General Defaults 31

Gasoline Retailer Rates 32

Printing Defaults 33-34

Program & Database Location 35-38

(Changing database location)

XIX. Instruction Letter 38-41

Please see www.taxtimeusa.com for the Frequently Asked Questions

ii

Need Help! Read The Manual!!! Or call tech support!!!

Tech Support: (248) 642-7070 or e-mail your question to: support@taxtimeusa.com

iii

TaxTime USA, Inc. Software Customer License Agreement LICENSE: TaxTime USA, Inc. (“TaxTime”) owns the enclosed software program(s) as well as all related materials including

documentation associated with the software program (collectively “Program”) and all intellectual property and propriety rights in such Program. As licensee (also called “You” or “Your” herein), and on behalf of one proprietorship, partnership or corporation (“Company”) identified on the front of this license agreement, TaxTime grants You a personal non-transferable, non- exclusive license to use the enclosed Program and any other software developed or furnished by TaxTime for which You have paid the applicable fees, (in object code only) subject to the terms and restrictions below.

RESTRICTIONS: You may use the Program on up to ten computers at a time, within the one Company, at a single location. You

may use the Program on up to ten computers in a network, at a single location, provided the network fee is paid. Additional site locations may use the program, provided the second site license and, if applicable, network fee is paid for each location. Additional Companies practicing at the same location may use the program provided a separate license agreement is signed and the second site license fee and, if applicable, network fee is paid by each additional Company. You may not transfer the program electronically over a network. You may not distribute copies of the Program or documentation to others. This is a personal non-transferable license and You may not assign or otherwise transfer this license to any third party. You may not use, copy, print, or transfer the program or documentation to another computer, except as explicitly allowed by this license. Licensee acknowledges the Program contains valuable trade secrets and propriety material of TaxTime and may only be copied as permitted by this license. You may copy the machine-readable form of the Program only for back-up or archive purposes, provided that no more than three (3) copies are in existence at any one time without prior written consent from TaxTime. You must include all TaxTime proprietary notices (e.g., copyright) on any copy. You may not copy, in whole or in part, any materials provided in printed form as part of the Program. Free support of Program is limited to one hour of phone support.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: The licensee is solely responsible for the accuracy of all output (e.g., tax returns) produced by

the Program. Using the Program does not relieve the licensee of any professional obligations concerning preparation and review of tax returns.

TERM: This license continues in effect until terminated. You may terminate this license only by destroying all originals and

copies, of the Program and documentation, in any form. The license will also terminate if You fail to comply with any term or condition of this license. You agree upon such termination to destroy the Program together with all copies in any form. Business Forms Express license is renewable annually and each license is valid for eighteen months, effective January of the release year. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND RESERVATION OF OWNERSHIP: The Program is owned by TaxTime and is protected

by United States laws and applicable international laws, treaties and conventions regarding intellectual property or proprietary rights. TaxTime retains all right, title, and interest not granted herein to all copies of the Program. You agree to use Your reasonable best efforts to protect the Program from unauthorized access, reproduction, distribution, or publication. INDEMNIFICATION: You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold TaxTime and its officers, directors, agents, and employees, harmless against any and all claims or losses (including reasonable attorney fees and costs) incurred through claims of third parties against TaxTime as a result of or relating to Your acts (or omissions including breach of this Agreement), Your Use of the Program, and Your receipt and Use of any information, whether authorized or unauthorized under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, actions founded on product liability. Further, You acknowledge that TaxTime shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to prosecute third parties for infringement of the rights associated with its Program. In consideration for the license granted herein, You agree to fully cooperate with TaxTime in the prosecution of any such suit.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY OF PERFORMANCE: TAXTIME MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EITHER, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE QUALITY, PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OF THIS PROGRAM, NOR AS TO THE FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR PARTICULAR RESULTS OBTAINED THROUGH USING THE PROGRAM. YOU ACCEPT THIS PROGRAM “AS IS” AND ASSUME ALL RISK OF DEFECTS AND ALL COSTS OF SERVICING, REPAIRS AND CORRECTIONS. Further, TaxTime does not agree to provide any indemnification of any kind for use of the Program under this Agreement.

LIMITED WARRANTY ON MEDIA: TaxTime warrants that to the extent it provides the Program in recorded form on a non-

transitory media (e.g., CD), the med ia is free from defects in material and faulty workmanship under normal use and service for a period of ninety (90) days from the date You receive it. If during this ninety-day period, such a defect should occur, You may return the media to TaxTime for a replacement media at no charge. Replacement of the media is Your sole and exclusive remedy. TaxTime assumes no responsibility under this limited warranty for, and will not replace any media with defects due to accident, abuse or misapplication. TaxTime makes this warranty to You as the original licensee only. This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT (EVEN IF ADVISED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY) SHALL TAXTIME BE LIABLE TO

YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOST PROFITS; LOST SALES OR BUSINESS EXPENDITURES; INVESTMENTS; OR COMMITMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY BUSINESS, LOSS OF ANY GOODWILL, OR FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR FOR USAGE OF THE PROGRAM, HOWEVER CAUSED, OR FROM ANY CAUSE OF ACTION OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY, MISREPRESENTATION, OR OTHERWISE, IN ANY AMOUNT. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of indirect, incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to You. TaxTime assumes no responsibility for claims of infringement by third parties.

This license is the complete and exclusive statement of the agreement between You and TaxTime. All other communications and agreements written and oral are superseded. Your use of the Program and/or signature on the order form acknowledges that You have read this license and agree to be bound by its terms..

1

TaxTime USA, Inc.

MICHIGAN SALES TAX EXPRESS 2015

Michigan Sales, Use & Withholding Tax Program

Instruction Manual

I. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

The following equipment is required to use Sales Tax Express 2015:

Pentium III processor

1 gigabyte of RAM or higher

50 megabytes of free hard disk space

Windows XP™, Windows Vista™, Windows 7™ or 8 operating systems

Hewlett Packard (HP) Laser Jet Series III™ or higher (or compatible) with at least 2 meg

of RAM

CD-Rom drive (if CD installation used – otherwise a secure internet connection needed)

II. FORMS GENERATED

Form 5080 - 2015 Sales, Use & Withholding Taxes Monthly/Quarterly Return

Form 5081 - 2015 Sales, Use & Withholding Taxes Annual Return

Form 5082 - 2015 Sales, Use & Withholding Taxes Amended Annual Return

Form 5083 - 2015 Fuel Supplier and Wholesaler Prepaid Sales Tax Schedule

Form 5085 - 2015 Fuel Retailer Supplemental Schedule (Must E-File)

Form 5086 - 2015 Vehicle Dealer Supplemental Schedule (Must E-File)

Form 5092 - 2015 Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes Amended Monthly/Quarterly Return

Form 5094 - 2015 Sales, Use and Withholding Payment Voucher (E-Filed returns only)

Form 5095 - 2015 Sales, Use and Withholding Monthly/Quarterly and Amended

Monthly/Quarterly Worksheet

Form 2196 - Request for Bottle Deposit Fund Reimbursement

Year to Date Summary Report

Client Instruction Letters (User can customize)

2

III. CD INSTALLATION (for e-delivery follow separately e-mailed instructions)

SINGLE USER (SITE) INSTALLATION

1) To install MI Sales Tax Express 2015 please insert the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive.

2) Click on START and then click on RUN.

3) Type in: E:\setup.exe (where e: is your CD-ROM drive) and hit Enter or click on OK.

4) If this Security Warning appears, please click on run to continue with the installation.

5) Sales Tax Express 2015 Setup will appear. Click on NEXT to continue with Installation.

6) Click on YES to accept License Agreement.

7) To install Sales Tax Express 2015 to the default folder: c:\SLSTAX15 click on NEXT. To

change the drive, path or directory click on Browse when prompted and enter the appropriate

drive and path to install to and click OK.

8) The system will then prompt you for a Program Folder. The default is: MI Sales Tax Express

2015. Click on NEXT to accept this folder name. The system will create a program folder

called MI Sales Tax Express or if you used MI Sales Tax Express in the past it will add MI

Sales Tax Express 2015 to your existing program folder.

9) When installation is finished your system will indicate: Setup Complete. Click on FINISH.

10) Install will automatically put a 2015 MI Sales Tax Express Icon on your desktop.

11) After MI Sales Tax Express has been successfully installed you are ready to use the program.

12) To use MI Sales Tax Express 2015: click on the 2015 MI Sales Tax Express Icon or click on

Start, click on Programs, click on MI Sales Tax Express and then click on MI Sales Tax

Express 2015.

13) The first time you go into MI Sales Tax Express 2015 you will be prompted to register your

software. Use your registration form included in your shipment and register your software

using either Website or Manual registration.

NOTE – If you do not register your software at this time you can do so later by clicking on SETUP

and then clicking on REGISTER SALES TAX EXPRESS.

NOTE – If you ordered a DEMO version of MI Sales Tax Express, click on CANCEL.

3

IV. NETWORK INSTALLATION

The installation process allows the user to install the software on the network drive and the user

needs only to create a shortcut to the ST15.EXE on the network drive from his or her computer.

Note: The software does not need to be loaded on each machine when running in a network

environment.

1) To install MI Sales Tax Express 2015 please insert the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive.

2) Click on START and then click on RUN.

3) Type in: E:\setup.exe (where e: is your CD-ROM drive) and hit Enter or click on OK.

4) Sales Tax Express 2015 Setup will appear. Click on NEXT to continue with Installation.

5) Click on YES to accept License Agreement.

6) To install MI Sales Tax Express to your network drive, click on BROWSE. The Choose

Folder window will come up. Change the default folder from: c:\SLSTAX15 to:

F:\SLSTAX15 by TYPING the Letter F: over the default C: (where f: is your network drive)

the path should then read F:\SLSTAX15. If you want to install to a different path you must

type in the entire path and folder name where the software is to be installed. It should look

similar to the example below:

7) Click on OK and then click on NEXT.

8) The system will then prompt you for a Program Folder. The default is: Sales Tax Express

2015. Click on NEXT to accept this folder name. The system will create a program folder

called Sales Tax Express 2015 or if you used Sales Tax Express in the past it will add Sales

Tax Express 2015 to your existing program folder.

9) When installation is done your system will indicate: Setup Complete. Click on FINISH.

10) Install will automatically put an Icon on the desktop that loaded the program.

11) After Sales Tax Express has been successfully installed you are ready to use the program.

12) To use Sales Tax Express 2015: click on the 2015 Sales Tax Express Icon or click on Start,

click on Programs, click on Sales Tax Express and then click on Sales Tax Express 2015.

4

REGISTER MI SALES TAX EXPRESS

To Register MI Sales Tax Express 2015:

When you first go into program the above Registration Screen opens or from within program: click

on SETUP and then click on REGISTER SALES TAX EXPRESS.

To use Website Registration (you must be connected to the internet):

1) From the Registration screen select Website Registration.

2) Enter in your Customer # and the password EXACTLY (it is case sensitive) as it appears on

the Program Registration Form included in your shipment. Click OK.

3) The system will automatically register the software.

NOTE: If you are using a firewall it may display a warning message that ST15.exe is trying access

the internet. Respond in a way to allow access, so registration can be completed.

5

To use Manual Registration:

1) From the Registration screen select Manual Registration and then click Registration Details.

2) A Registration window opens (See Below), enter the Company Name and Address as provided

by TaxTime on the enclosed registration sheet. Enter Yes or No to the network question and

enter the password from the enclosed registration sheet. Click Ok. Please note that this

method is extremely case sensitive.

3) The system will register itself.

Note:

To upgrade a DEMO program to a registered/licensed program and/or to upgrade a single user

version to a network version please e-mail us at: sales@taxtimeusa.com or fax us at (248) 359-

8025 with your upgrade request or give us a call at (248) 642-7070. The needed upgrade file

can be e-mailed or regular mailed to you after payment has been received.

To Create a MI Sales Tax Express 2015 Icon for network stations or single (site) license users:

1) Right click on the Desktop click on New then click on Shortcut.

2) “Create Shortcut” windows will popup.

3) The user can either type in the exact command line, for example:

Network users: F:\APPS\SLSTAX15\ST15.EXE (skip to step 8)

Single users: C:\ SLSTAX15\ST15.EXE (skip to step 8) OR click Browse.

4) A browse window will pop up.

5) In the Look in drop down select the drive where you installed Sales Tax Express.

6) In the browse window find the folder Sales Tax Express 2015 was installed to.

7) Once the folder is open double click on ST15.EXE or click on ST15.EXE and then click

Open. 8) Then click Next.

9) The system will then ask for a name for the short cut; type in: Sales Tax Express 2015.

10) Then click Finish.

11) Your shortcut has now been created. To enter MI Sales Tax Express 2015 just double click on

the icon.

6

Possible reasons if you experience problems while going into the MI Sales Tax Express 2015:

1) If you get an error message: “Error Code 101 Sharing violation: Site Version – only one user

can use the system at one time” you have a site license and two or more users are trying to

access the software at one time. We recommend upgrading to a network version if you want

more than one person using Sales Tax Express at the same time. If there is not another user

trying to access the software at the same time when you get this error message then we

recommend the following: click on Start then click on Find. Click on Files or Folders. In

the Named field type in: ST15.MDB in the Look in field make sure it says: My Computer.

Click Find Now. Once found click on it and hit the delete key on your keyboard. Go back

into Sales Tax Express 2015.

2) If you get an error message: “SQL State error message” or “Driver Error message” you do not

have the most current Data Access Drivers needed by our software. We recommend that you

update your Windows system on the machine having the access problems. You can do this by

running MDAC.EXE from the Sales Tax Express 2015 CD-ROM. This will update your

system with the most current Windows Data Access Drivers. To Run MDAC.EXE first exit

all open programs. Then click on Start, then click on Run then type

D:\MDAC\MDAC2_5SP\MDAC_TYP.EXE and hit Enter (where D: is your CD-ROM drive,

change if necessary). Follow the program instructions.

3) If you get an error message: “ODBC Microsoft Access Driver Login Failed – Could not find

file C:\SLSTAX15\ST15.mdb” or the message “Error Code 1000 Critical Error Database Not

Found” it is probably because you moved your current year database to a location other than

the same directory where your Sales Tax Express 2015 program is located. You need to

change the database path in Setup/Configuration. To get the system to point to the proper

database location click OK on the error message. A “Login box” will then appear, click

Database. A “select database window” will then appear. Use this window to locate

ST15.mdb. When you find ST15.mdb highlight it by single clicking on it and then click OK.

The window will close and the login window will reappear, click OK. Sales Tax Express

2015 will now start. You must go to Setup, Configuration, and Database Tab and change the

path to ST15.mdb by following the instructions in Setup - Configuration – Database in this

manual or the instructions on the screen.

V. GETTING STARTED

To Start MI Sales Tax Express 2015

Click on Start.

Click on Programs.

Click on Sales Tax Express.

Click on Sales Tax Express 2015.

OR

If you created an icon for 2015 Sales Tax Express you can double click on it to go directly

into program

For information on creating a New return or Editing an existing return go to the section in the

Manual called “Doing a Return.” To review various program defaults and/or to customize

Sales Tax Express 2015, click on Setup from the Menu Bar.

7

VI. GENERAL MENU OVERVIEW

File Menu New Client File: Create new sales tax client file. Edit Client File: Opens Edit Return Browse Window for existing clients. Delete Return: Deletes the highlighted Return(s). Search Clients: Opens Up a search criteria window to filter client list by. Save As: Creates a copy of the selected client file including return information. Close: Closes current window Backup: Backup selected client(s) to a backup file Restore: Restore client files from an external file. Import from: Imports General screen information from PPT Express 2015 and Business Startup Express Proforma: Proforma’s your 2014 files into 2015. Label Setup: Setup custom mailing labels. Batch Print: Print multiple client return(s) for a given period. Print Client Browse List: Prints Client Browse window using current filters and sorts. Printer Setup: Allows user to select a different printer to print forms/returns to.

Exit: Exit the program.

Setup Menu

Configuration: Allows the user to customize the

system.

Instruction Letter: Allows the user to edit

existing and Create New instruction letters.

Partner/Preparer/Title Setup: Allows user to

enter default names

Register Sales Tax Express: Allows the user to

register the software.

8

GENERAL MENU OVERVIEW (Continued)

VII. ICON DEFINITIONS FOR TOOL BAR

Note:

To select multiple client files to Delete or Backup use your mouse and Click on the first desired file

and press the shift key and then Click on the last desired file. To select multiple non-continuous

files press the CTRL key and use your mouse to Click on each desired file.

New Return Icon

Opens Edit Return Browse Window

Setup / Configuration

Exit Program

Restore client files

Close Window / Return

Backup client files

Save current changes of the file you are working on

Delete selected client files

Printer Setup – Change printer selection

Filter Client Browse

Sort Browse Window

Batch Print Option

Client Mailing Labels: Selects and prints client mailing labels

State Mailing Labels: Select and print various State of Michigan address labels

Client Status Report: View and print client status report

Client Status Summary: View and print client status report

in summary format

9

VIII. IMPORT FROM PPT EXPRESS / BUSINESS STARTUP

Use the down arrow in the Look In box to find the PPT

Express 2014 or 2015 folder or Business Start up 2014/2015

folder. The program will then display the PPT database file

(ppt2015.mdb). Double click on ppt2014.mdb or ppt2015.mdb

Import From: PPT Express 2014: Folder: \PPT2014 File: PPT2014.mdb PPT Express 2015: Folder: \PPT2015 File: PPT2015.mdb Business Express 2014 or 2015: Folder: \TXFRMS05 File: TXFRMS05.mdb

To import general screen

information from PPT

Express/Business Startup 2014 or

2015, click on File from the menu

bar and then click on Import from.

You can then select which

program you wish to import from.

10

IX. PROFORMA 2014 DATA TO 2015 To proforma MI Sales Tax Express 2014 data to 2015:

1) Click on File from the Menu Bar.

2) Click on Proforma. The default directory for your prior year files is the same drive as this

year’s program (change if necessary). The default folder is: SLSTAX14

NOTE – MI Sales Tax Express 2014 saved all client files in the database file: st14.mdb. This

database file name (st14.mdb) does not need to be entered after the directory Name as our

program automatically knows to look for database files.

Sales Tax Express will go to the folder: Sales Tax Express 2014 and will display any database

files in that directory. If the file st14.mdb (or st14 if your computer is not displaying file

extensions) does not appear, click on the down arrow and scroll to where the folder/file is

located.

The Import from PPT Express window will open. Click on Select All box to import all

files or use the Ctrl key to select multiple non-continuous files by holding this key down

and use your mouse to select files one at a time. Once you have highlighted the files to

import click on Start Import.

To select a continuous group of files Click on the first file to import and Shift Click on the

last file to import. Once you have highlighted the files to import click on Start Import.

Close screen when done.

Click on the Look in drop down if

your database does not appear.

This will allow you to look for the

database in a different location.

Once you find your database click

on it and then click the Open

button. Or double click on the

database name.

11

HINT – If you cannot easily find the st14.mdb file we suggest using Window’s “find” feature.

Click on the Start button at the bottom left of your desktop, and then click on Find. Click on Files

or Folders and type in: st14.mdb in the Named area and in the Look In field click on the down

arrow and click on My Computer (if you are on a network also check there) and click Find Now. If

you still cannot find the st14.mdb file, check on a different computer.

3) Double click on st14.mdb or single click on it and click on OPEN. This database file will be

scanned and all files in that directory will display in the “Proforma of Prior Year Files” screen.

4) Import Prior year Customized Instruction Letters (optional)

To import any customized instruction letters (new letters created), click on the above button before proformaing your client data. If you did not customize any instruction letters, skip this step. The screen below will open after clicking the above button.

Select the customized instruction letter(s) to import by clicking on the letter name to import or Ctrl Clicking on multiple letters. Then click the “OK” button. The system will then import the letter from the prior year program. Once this is complete continue the process by proformaing your client files. See below.

12

5) Instead of selecting all files you can select them by Filing status (Monthly, Quarterly, etc.) or

type in a company name or file name and hit retrieve and then click select all, then click start

proforma

6) Proforma will then bring over all your selected 2014 files into Sales Tax Express 2015. The

status of which file is being proforma’d shows at the top of the screen. We recommend you

proforma the same file(s) only once because you will duplicate files.

7) When Proforma is complete a “Proforma Completed” message will appear; click OK.

8) Click the CLOSE button to close the proforma screen.

X. NEW CLIENT FILE

XI. EDIT A RETURN

Click the Edit Browse

Icon if your client files

do not appear in this

screen.

To change the sort order from Company name to File name by clicking on the File name column header. Return to the original order by re-clicking the column header.

Click here to create a new client file

Searching for client files: the user can easily search for client files by typing search criteria into the corresponding fields highlighted in green above the column the user is searching on. The system will then begin searching the client list based on the characters typed. To again display all the files, remove the characters typed. Click on the binoculars to bring up the advance search window, shown below.

If there are combined returns in the client list the combined column will display and these returns will contain a C for Child returns or M for Master returns. (This will be explained in more detail later) By clicking on the M the system will display the child returns associated with that master return

Click on the Select All Files box to proforma all the files at one time. We recommend limiting

proforma to about 100 files at a time. To select multiple continuous files to backup, use your

mouse and single click on the first file desired and press the Shift key and then single click on

the last desired file. To select multiple non-continuous files press the CTLR key and use your

mouse to single click on each desired file. Once you have highlighted the files to proforma

click Start Proforma.

Default Month – user can select the default month for all

clients here. Each client file will open to this default month.

The default month is a system wide default for all clients.

User can also change default month from within a client file

or in Configuration

Click here to hide inactive clients Uncheck to show all clients

13

XII. DOING A RETURN

All client files open to:

General Information Screen

After selecting your criteria click Retrieve to search the client database, Click Clear to remove the criteria and then click Retrieve to show all clients again.

Company Name is a Required Field.

Select the appropriate filing status for this file: Monthly (Default), Quarterly or Annual.

Signer Title –

Click on the

drop down

arrow to select

a previously

entered signer

title. Signer

Titles are

added to the

list as you do

returns.

Select Partner. This is used

for the client status report.

Allows files to be password protected. Do not lose your password.

Click here to start the process to combine. *Note: Sales Tax Express now allows multiple returns from a company to be combined into one return for filing purposes. To do this click the combined return button this will change the return you are working in into a Master return in which other returns can be merged into. A Master return is defined as a return in which other returns are merged into. The Child returns contains the data that is merged into the master return.

File Name is a Required Field.

If you wish for a client to be

Inactive check this box.

14

Combined Returns (See also page 20)

After clicking the combined return button, the system

will open the Child Returns window at the bottom of

the General Information. This sub-screen contains the

returns that when combine together for a particular

month create the Master Return containing the sum of

all the Child returns.

To add additional returns to be

combined click the + button.

A Browse window will

display. See Below.

To Remove a Return: Click on

the return to be deleted and

click the – button and answer

Yes to remove the link to the

parent.

Check or uncheck the boxes based on the needs of your client. Tax included in Gross Sales is always checked. If your client does not include tax in Gross Sales uncheck the box. For 4% forms contact State of Michigan.

You can change instruction letters that

will print with the each return.

Payment option: This is the default

Payment method for each return. You can

change this to either Full on 12th, Partial

on 12th or Full on 20th.

15

Click on the return to be combined and click

Select. To select multiple returns hold the

control key down while you click on the

returns to combine then click Select.

The user may also search for the returns

to combine by using the search fields

highlighted in green. Click into the

field above the column to be search on

and enter your search criteria.

16

Sales and Use Tax Worksheet - this screen automatically updates as data is entered.

Tax included in Gross: The

default on this screen comes

from the General screen. Change Yes/No per return

period as necessary on this screen.

Payment Option: Use this option to select how your client will pay the tax due. The system will then automatically calculate the maximum discount allowed. It will default to what was selected on the

General Information Screen

To enter a manually computed discount amount click the Override check box. This will allow you to

override the system’s calculation.

To change the Payment Option and/or to view the discount calculation click on the View/Change

button and select the desired payment option from the dropdown.

The available options:

Partial by 12th

Full by 12th Full by 20th

No Discount – No discount calculated

If Partial by 12th - enter the “Amount paying early.” The system will automatically place the balance

into “Amount paying timely” field.

If Full by 12th the system will automatically fill the “Amount paying early” field. If Full by 20th the system will automatically fill the “Amount paying timely” field.

Click to move to the different forms in the program. Gasoline Retailer, Vehicle Dealer & Bottle Deposit will only be displayed if they are checked off on the General Information Screen.

Non Tax Calc. Button: If you want the system calculate the non

taxable sales deduction enter all known fields

including the tax included in gross (line 5j) then click the Non Tax Calc button. Line 5j

should be No to Tax included in Gross. See

next section for sub-screen info.

This will allow you to select the return period

Click here to open the Print menu. Click here for Print Preview

17

Sales & Use Tax Worksheet (continued)

Click here to enter Other Deductions description

and amounts. See next section for sub-screen info.

Click the Select button to enter gasoline or diesel gallons and the system will calculate the deduction based on the rate. You can change the rate for this period on this screen or change the default rate in Configuration.

Return Done and Done by with date will

show up on the Client Status Report

Enter Use Tax on Purchases here

To enter information into the Fuel Retailer Supplemental Schedule click on 5085. To enter information into the Vehicle Dealer click on 5086.

18

Sales & Use Tax Worksheet (continued)

Non Taxable Computation sub-screen:

Other Deductions sub-screen:

Clicking on the Non Tax Calc button from the Sales Tax worksheet screen pops this

window up.

The system automatically computes the non taxable amount. Click on the down arrow to

select the line to apply the deduction to then click Ok.

To re-compute the non taxable amount you must reset the line that you originally applied

the deduction to, to its original value which may be 0.

If you select line 5i it will ask for a description.

Line 5j should be set to NO.

Clicking on the Select button for Other Deductions from the Sales Tax

worksheet screen pops this window up.

Enter the descriptions and amounts. Click “Ok” to save the changes.

After the first description has been entered you can click on the dropdown

to select previously entered descriptions from the dropdown list.

19

Fuel Retailer Supplemental Information Preparation:

To access this screen you need to click the Form 5085 button on the Monthly/Quarterly Worksheet

Enter your supplier information in the fields supplied including Gallons. The drop down list contains a list of suppliers previously entered for this client.

To select one from the list click the drop down arrow and then click on the desired supplier. The system will then automatically fill the rest of the address fields. You must always enter the Gallons field. To add

Supplier Information click the “Add/Edit Suppliers” button below.

When prepaid gasoline rate changes during year enter change by clicking on Setup,

Configuration, Defaults. Enter the new Prepaid Gasoline Rate. This new rate will

appear in the month shown. The Gasoline rate can be overridden here but it is

recommended to change in Setup.

To delete

a supplier

click on

the line

you want

to delete

then click

this Delete

button.

These rates will populate based on the Gasoline Retailer Rates tab in the

Configuration screen under Setup. The State updates rates monthly; TaxTime will

send out monthly e-mails with the new rates to be entered in the configuration screen.

20

To add suppliers to the system so they can be selected from the dropdown box in the

Gasoline Retailer screen above – click the “Add/Edit Suppliers” button. This window will

open, enter the Name and FEIN of the supplier to be added and click “Save”.

To delete a supplier click on the supplier and then click the “Delete” Button.

To Close this screen click the “Close” button. To Save any changes made to a supplier’s

name or address you must click “Save” before clicking “Close”

21

BOTTLE REIMBURSEMENT:

Combining Returns (See also page 14):

Click on the Select screen down

arrow and select Bottle

Reimbursement to prepare this form.

Make sure you selected yes from the

General Information Screen for Bottle

Deposit.

To combine the returns for a particular month: From

within a Master Return select the month to combine

then click Update all Values. The window below

shows the Child Returns to combine.

To print this work sheet click Print

Click Set Total. This will pull sum the

value and place them in the corresponding

fields in the Master return.

22

Annual Return Preparation:

Use the slide bar to see the rest of the worksheet fields.

Click the down arrow here to select the Annual Return.

The information is pulled from the Sales & Use Tax worksheets prepared

throughout the year.

Please enter the actual amounts paid in fields such as Tax payments made, MI

Withholding Paid, Number of W-2’s/1099’s etc.

Enter any annual return adjustments in the Adjustment columns. The annual return will show the revised totals. The YTD Summary report will show the totals before the adjustments, the adjustments and to totals after the adjustments are on page 2.

Click here to access Amended Return.

23

Worksheet summary:

If overpaid fill

in either the

credit amount

or refund

amount line. No data entry is allowed on this form.

Click the print preview button from any screen. Then click

the down arrow from the Select Box and then click on YTD

Summary Page 1 or 2 to view this report. The report can be

printed from any print screen by clicking the printer icon.

On some screens you may see a scroll bar use this

to scroll to the right to see additional months and

YTD figures.

24

XIII. PRINT PREVIEW

Print Preview will preview the return period you are working on.

This dropdown allows you to select

the form, worksheet or instruction

letter to print preview. To open the

dropdown, click on the down arrow

and make your selection.

Click here to

print the page

you are

viewing.

Click here to print form, worksheet and/or

instruction letter and/or

multiple copies.

IMPORTANT: This scan line must be

present and look similar to this one or the one

on the Cover letter you received with the

software. If it does not look like this, go to

the section on installing fonts. Follow the

font install instructions. The first set of

digits: 0313 is TaxTime’s Software vendor

code.

Click here to leave

Print

Preview.

25

XIV. PRINT A RETURN When the print icon is clicked or the Print pages button is clicked a Print Setup window similar to

the one below will popup. It will display those returns and worksheets available to print from that

area of the program. The window below is from the Sales, Use & Withholding Tax section.

Click to

select and

deselect

returns and

worksheet

prior to

clicking the

Print button

Use the up

and down

arrow buttons

to change the

number of

copies to

print of each

form printed

Click here to

begin printing

Click here to close

the Print window.

Schedules that do not

contain data will be

dimmed

To print your return to a PDF

file, check this box and then

click: Print. A browse

window will open to confirm

where to save and name of

file.

The first time you print a

PDF file the system will

check to see if you have the

needed print driver. If not it

will automatically attempt to

install it. See XVII for more

information

26

XIV. BATCH PRINTING

From the client browse window (Edit Client File screen) you can select multiple client files to Print

by using your mouse and Clicking on the first desired file, press the shift key and then Click on the

last desired file. To select multiple non-continuous files press the CTRL key and use your mouse

to Click on each desired file. Then click the Batch Print Icon As shown below.

Click this icon to begin batch

printing the selected client returns.

After clicking the Printer

Icon this window will

open and you can select

the forms to print.

Check the save parameters

before closing the window

to save your defaults

Be sure to select the proper month/quarter to print. For

quarterly reports select the last month in the quarter.

27

XV. CLIENT MAILING LABELS

This function will allow the user to print mailing labels for all Sales tax returns. To print, view

and/or select mailing label layout, select REPORT from the tool bar and select Client’s

Mailing Label.

All files in your database will show up on the left side of the Mailing Label screen. Click on

the right double arrow to move all files to the right of the screen. To move only selected files

highlight those files on the left and then click on the single right arrow. Follow the same

procedure to remove files from the right by clicking on either the single or double left arrow.

If you want to only print labels based on Partner or Preparer click on the down arrow where

indicated for that criteria. Then click on Retrieve button. These files will then display in the

left of screen

The default mailing label setup is for Avery Label #5160 (30 labels per sheet, 3 across and

the label size is 1” by 2 5/8”) click on the Select Label down arrow and click on your choice.

Avery Label #5162 prints 14 labels per sheet, 2 across and the label size is 1 1/3” by 4”.

Avery Label #5161 (14 labels per sheet, 2 across and the label size is 1” by 4”).

To view and then print labels click on the button: Preview Labels the screen will then display

the labels selected in the format chosen. Click on the Printer Icon at the top of the screen to

print the labels.

To create a new label type, leave the Mailing Label screen and go to the Main Menu, select

File, and then Label Setup. Set up your appropriate configurations and name the label at top

of Label Setup screen. When done click on Save and then Close. Go back into the mailing

label screen and select that new label. You can alternatively set this as the default in

Configuration.

Moves selected file into print side

Moves all files into print side

Moves selected file back

Moves all files back

Criteria to populate this with

returns to choose from

Select Label

type and size. Execute criteria selection.

Clear Criteria you must then click

retrieve to display all files again.

28

STATE MAILING LABELS

This function will allow the user to print mailing labels for various State addresses. To print,

view and/or select mailing label layout, select REPORT from the tool bar and select State

Mailing Labels.

Once selected the following pop-up window will display:

Select the

State Address

to Print

Select Label

Size

To Print

Preview and

Print Labels

Click “Go to

Label” Select number of labels

to print

29

XVI. CLIENT STATUS REPORT

The Client Status Report tracks the status of all clients/files processed via our software. The

program automatically updates the following fields: Proforma, when the return was completed

by month, and who the return was completed by. The user must update the "DONE" and

"DONE BY" flags on the Sales & Use Tax Worksheet screen. The Client Status Report can

be printed or viewed from the Report Menu. To print, view or edit the Client Status Report,

select REPORT from the tool bar and select Client Status.

To print the Client Status Report, click on the print icon or click on FILE and then Print.

To Print Preview, click on the Print Preview icon or click on FILE and then Print

Preview.

To change the sort order click on the Sort Icon and a Sort Window will pop up. Any

changes to the sort order will automatically be saved.

Sort selection Icon

30

XVII. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

System Configuration Screen:

The series of tabs on this screen allow the user to configure the system and set system defaults.

Firm Address tab

Use the Firm Address tab to make firm address changes and to enter your Federal Id number.

You cannot change the Company name. If your company name needs to be changed e-mail

TaxTime at Support@taxtimeusa.com and we will email you a new registration file with the

corrected company name.

There is a $20.00 charge for Company name changes after shipment of software.

Click OK to save changes.

Click Cancel to discard changes

31

System Configuration (Continued):

General Defaults

This screen allows the user to set system wide defaults

Various Default settings can be changed here. When a

new file is created they will have the settings defined here.

These setting can still be changed on the individual returns.

Set the default instruction

letters here

Update interest rates

for periods 1/1/15

through 6/30/17 as

rates change.

By clicking this button the instruction

letter displayed to the left will be

assigned to all the returns on file.

To change the Top

or Left Margin on the instruction letter

make the changes

here.

User can

change

default month

to process

here or in edit

a Return

Browse

window.

User can change

default month to

process here or in Edit a Return

Browse window.

Check this box to not

display Inactive clients in the client Browse Window

32

System Configuration (Continued):

Gasoline Retailer Rates tab

The Gasoline Prepaid and Diesel Prepaid Rates can change on a monthly basis.

Enter the rate for the month you will be working on here. Then when you

prepare the Gasoline Retailer form the current month’s the rates will automatically be populated for you from the values entered on this screen.

Click OK to save your changes.

33

System Configuration (Continued):

Printing Defaults tab

Ghostscript Printer installation:

After clicking the “Install Ghostscript Printer” button the below message will display. Click

“Continue Anyway” to allow installation. Installation will then begin. When installation is

complete the Postscript (PS) “PS Printer” dropdown will display Ghostscript PDF.

Once the Ghostscript Printer driver has been installed the above box will gray out. Users of any of

are other software programs will not have to re-install as this is a one time installation.

If this is selected the software

will automatically print the

company name and date at the

top of various pages.

Sets the Default print setting for each page whether it will print or

not. Checked boxes mean that page will print by default if there is

data for that return or worksheet.

This sets the Default

number of copies to

print when the page

prints

Default Folder where returns printed to a PDF file will be saved. To change

the Default Click the Select button to the right and navigate to the desired

folder and click OK

34

Terminal Server, Citrix Server and users who have limited rights to the computer they are running

on may need administrative rights to install this print driver. If you do not have the proper rights

the message below will be displayed. To fix the problem log in with the proper rights and then try

installing again.

35

Database & Program location tab

To Change the Sales Tax Express Database Location:

The program location shows the location where Sales Tax Express 2015 is located and where

the client database is located. The client database is in the file named: ST15.mdb. During

installation ST15.mdb (client files) is loaded into the same directory where Sales Tax Express

2015 was installed. If you would like to move the database, use must use Windows Explorer.

If you decide to, move the database file using Windows Explorer, and then after doing so; go

into Sales Tax Express 2015.

If you moved the database you will get the following error message: Error Code 1000 Critical

Error Database Not Found.

Click OK.

Typical installation default

If Change Default is selected the Browse button will display. Click the browse

button to find the new location where you moved the ST15.mdb database.

36

Database & Program location tab (continued)

Another error box will pop up that says: ODBC Microsoft Access Driver Login Failed – Could not

find file C:\SLSTAX15\ST15.mdb.

Click OK.

A “Login box” will then appear. Click the Database button

Then a “select database window” will appear.

Use this window to locate ST15.mdb and then highlight it by single clicking on it; then click

OK. The window will close and a login window will reappear:

37

Database & Program location tab (continued)

Click OK. SALES TAX Express will now start. Click on Setup on the menu bar, then click

on Configuration and then click on the Program & Database Tab. Click on Change

Default and follow the instructions below for type of installation.

Network users: Click the browse button. From the browse window click the Look In button

and go to Network Neighborhood, then start your search for the folder where your ST15.mdb

resides. Once you find the ST15.mdb database double click on it or single click on it and then

click OPEN. The reason for this is that your path has to be in the format: \\Computer

Name\Folder\Database instead of using station dependent drive mappings.

Single users: If you are storing your data on your network you should use the procedure as

above. If you are putting the data somewhere else on your hard drive use the following

instructions: Click the browse button. From the browse window click the Look In button and

go to the drive where your ST15.mdb data resides and start your search for the database from

there. Once you find the ST15.mdb database double click on it or single click on it and then

click OPEN.

Click Look In button.

Find Network Neighborhood

and start search from there.

38

Database & Program location tab (continued)

XVIII. INSTRUCTION LETTER

If you created customized instruction letters in the prior year program, proforma those

instruction letters before proformaing your client files. Please refer to section IX in this

manual. You can customize current year Instruction letters or create new ones, but only from

Setup. Once changes are made you can attach the new letter(s) to all client files via

Configuration, Defaults, selecting the new letter and then clicking on the “Apply this letter to

existing returns” button (see Configuration section in the manual for more information). MI

SALES TAX Express 2015 includes the following instruction letters:

1. Monthly - Paper:

SUW Return - includes your firm name centered and bolded at the top.

SUW Return2 - No Firm Name (we removed the firm name so you can

print on your letterhead).

2. Monthly – E-file with Online Payment:

E-FileWithOnlinePayment - includes your firm name centered and bolded

at the top.

E-FileWithOnlinePayment2 - No Firm Name (we removed the firm name

so you can print on your letterhead).

3. Monthly – E-file with Payment Voucher:

PaymentVoucher - includes your firm name centered and bolded at the

top.

PaymentVoucher2 - No Firm Name (we removed the firm name so you

can print on your letterhead).

4. Annual Return:

Annual Letter - includes your firm name centered and bolded at the top.

Annual Letter2- No Firm Name (we removed the firm name so you can

print on your letterhead).

5. Bottle Deposit:

Bottle Deposit - includes your firm name centered and bolded at the top.

Bottle Deposit2- No Firm Name (we removed the firm name so you can

print on your letterhead).

39

We HIGHLY recommend using one of the default instruction letters as your default for

each letter type.

If you want to customize one of our letters we recommend using the “Save as” feature to

create a new letter so you can import the letter with your changes the next year.

See below discussion for selecting a different instruction letter other than the default.

To make changes to any of the above default Instruction letters: click on Setup from the

Menu Bar and click on Instruction Letter. Click on OPEN: the SELECT LETTER dialog

box opens. Click on the dropdown arrow to display the instruction letter types and make

selection.

Double click on the Instruction letter you want to edit. Make your changes and click on FILE

and then click on SAVE. See “Making Changes” below. If you are editing the default letter

the system will ask you for a new letter name. To make this new letter your default, go to

Setup, then Configuration, then Printing tab. Click on the dropdown arrow for the instruction

letter return type you wish to change. Then click on the new letter to make it your new

default. To use the new Instruction letter just created on a selective basis, do not change the

Configuration default; change the Instruction Letter within the return itself.

To create and save a New Letter from an existing letter: follow the instructions above

except click on SAVE AS instead of SAVE. Enter an INSTRUCTION LETTER NAME and

click on OK. Click on the red X to EXIT the Instruction letter.

To make this new instruction letter your default or to select one of the other letters as

your default, click on SETUP from the Menu Bar and click on Configuration. Click on the

GENERAL TAB and click on the Instruction letter drop down arrow. Click on the new

instruction letter you created and click on OK. This letter now becomes your default for all

returns that you have not assigned a specific instruction letter to.

To create a New Instruction letter from scratch: click on Setup from the Menu Bar, click

on Instruction Letter and click on NEW. We do not recommend using this feature but

rather recommend changing the default letter following the steps above.

40

Making Changes:

Instruction Letter Toolbar:

Note: Margins are changed from the Setup Menu; Configuration; General Tab

Instruction letter section – the user can adjust both the top and left margins

Available fields to insert

Add Outline/

Bullet points

Font selection – Default font is Arial

Italicize, Bold and/or Underline the

Highlighted Text or Field

Change Line Justification Left,

Center, and Right

Select Font Size

41

Editing an instruction letter works much like using a word processor. Click or tab to the spot to

start entering text; then enter the desired text.

To add a new field to the letter: Position your cursor where the field should be inserted then

click on the “Select Field” dropdown and select the desired field from the dropdown list.

Change:

Font or Font Size: highlight the text to change by clicking and dragging over the text

or double click on the word to change then click the font or font size dropdown and

click on the desired change.

Bold, Italicize or Underline: highlight the text to change by clicking and dragging

over the text or double click on the word to change then click the appropriate button

on the instruction letter toolbar.

Line Justification: Position the cursor on the line to change and click the appropriate

line justification button on the instruction letter toolbar.

Outline/Bullet points selection: Position the cursor on the line to start the outline or

bullet point. Click the Outline or Bullet point button then use the tab key to move the

bullet point to the right for indenting. Hitting enter will create another bullet point or

outline point under the first. It can also be indented by hitting the tab key. Using the

backspace key will un-indent the bullet point or outline.

Delete:

Text: Highlight the text to delete and hit the “Delete key”

Fields: Highlight the field by clicking to the RIGHT of the field and drag the mouse

to the LEFT until the field is highlighted and hit the “Delete key”

Saving:

To save the changes made click the diskette icon on the tool bar or go to the file

menu and click save. If you make a change to our default letter(s) the system will

automatically do a Save As and ask for the new instruction letter name and a

description. To use the letter go to the Setup Menu, click Configuration, click the

Instruction Letters tab and change the instruction letter to print from the dropdown

list where appropriate to the new letter.

Save As:

To save as click the Save As icon next to the Save diskette or click File then Save As.

The program will ask for a Letter name and description, enter these and click Ok.