2024 Tutorials

Introduction

These tutorials are designed as operational training tools. They will take you step-by-step
through creating a basic return to preparing more complex tax returns. They are useful in
learning the many features of the program, and for practice in getting preparers ready for the
upcoming season.

The tax information contained in these tutorials is preliminary and your actual results may vary
based on more current information being implemented in the program. Some Verify errors that
are related to the Bank Application that appear in these tutorials might not be valid based on
your Bank selection in the program.

We suggest that prior to entering in any returns that you set up a default Prep ID. If you will have
more than one Paid Preparer, you will want to set up their information in the database. This
information will appear on Form 1040 to correspond with the correct Paid Preparer.

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Tutorial #1

Tutorial #1 Objective:
Once you have completed this tutorial, you will know how to:

 Create a new tax return

 Complete the following forms/screens: Client Data Screen, ACA Questions, Forms W-2, W-
2G, 1040, and 8879.
 Verify a return
 Send a text message using TextLink
 Send a PDF copy of a tax return
 Delete a tax return

Tutorial #1 Profile:
All taxpayer information needed to complete this return will be provided throughout tutorial #1’s
step-by-step process. (It is assumed that when an actual taxpayer arrives at your office they will
bring all appropriate documents with them to complete their tax return.)

Step One: The Client Data Screen

The first step when creating a new tax return is to complete the Client Data screen. The following
instructions will walk you through completing the Client Data screen.

1. From the Work in Progress Summary click on the Add New button on the Work in
Progress Toolbar.
2. The Add New Return window will open and prompt to enter the Taxpayer Social Security
Number.

3. Enter 408-00-1001 as the SSN and press [Tab] to move to the Confirm Entry box.
Note: It is a requirement to enter the Social Security number twice when creating a
new return. This is to verify the SSN is entered correctly.

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4. Enter the SSN (408-00-1001) a second time and click on OK.
5. You will now be viewing the Client Data Screen, Taxpayer Information section.
6. The first field highlighted is the DOB (date of birth) field. Type ‘072472’, and then press
[Enter].
Note: The program will automatically calculate the four digits of the Year.

7. The next fields are the name fields. There is no need to capitalize name fields. The
program will automatically format the name for printing purposes. Use the following
information to complete these fields:
• Taxpayer’s First Name: Charles, press [Enter]
• Taxpayer’s Middle Initial: Press [Enter], (no Middle Initial)
• Taxpayer’s Last Name: Smith, Press [Enter]
• Taxpayer’s Suffix: Press [Enter] (no Suffix)

8. With the cursor now on the Occupation: field, try using the Occupation choice list to select
the occupation of MANAGER. To use the choice list follow these steps:
• Click on the Choices button at the bottom of the Client Data screen or press
the [F3] key.

• Click on MANAGER then click on OK, or use your down arrow key to
highlight MANAGER and press [Enter].

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 Note: The occupation choice list displays the entries found in the Occupations Database.
The program is shipped with a set of Occupations in the database, with the ability to add
other Occupations to the Database Menu.

9. MANAGER should now be the occupation shown and you can continue with Step 10.
10. Since Charles is not a Dependent on another return, blind, or disabled, press [Enter] 3
times past the Dependent, Blind, and Disabled fields.
11. Although the fields Home Phone, Work, Cell and E-mail are not required by the IRS, the
cursor does move to these fields automatically. Normally, they should be entered for
reference at a later time (i.e. on the Electronic Bank Application). For the purposes of this
tutorial, enter these phone numbers: 209-835-2720 for the Home Phone, press [Enter]
and then enter 209-835-7228 for the Work Phone and press [Enter]. Enter a valid cell
phone number (for testing purposes) for the Cell Phone and press [Enter] one time.
Important: In a real, live return, you would use your customer’s cell phone
number. For the purposes of this, and the rest of the tutorials in this document,
you can enter your cell phone number to test out the features.
12. Enter a valid email address (for training purposes) in the E-Mail field and press [Enter].
Note: The email address is used in order to test the Email copy of tax return
feature at a later time in this tutorial. In a real, live return, you would use your
customer’s information. For the purposes of this, and the rest of the tutorials in
this document, you can enter your email to test out the features.

13. Enter an X in the Text Message box and press [Enter]. You will be prompted with the
following screen.

14. After you have read the above screen and discussed with your client, check the box at the
bottom of the screen and click on OK to proceed.
15. The next field is the Cell Phone Carriers box. To view the list of cell phone carriers, click on
Choices located at the bottom of the Client Data screen or press [F3] key. Double click on

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 your Cell Phone Carrier from the list and both the Cell Phone Carrier and the Text Domain
field will populate automatically.
16. The software will automatically take you to the Preferred Contact field. Click on Choices
located at the bottom of the Client Data screen or press [F3] key. Click on TEXT to select it
as the method to contact the taxpayer and press [Enter].
17. You will now be in the Taxpayer Male/Female field. This is not a required field but you
may make a selection and press [Enter] to continue.
18. You will now be on the Preferred Language field. For this tutorial, leave this field blank and
press [Enter] two times.
19. You will now be on the Driver License or State Issued ID section. The IRS does not currently
require this information but some states do. Entering the information in the Client Data
Screen will allow the software to automatically populate the information to the state
when needed. For this tutorial leave this section blank and press [Enter] 5 times.
20. You will now be at the Filing Status field. Since Charles is filing his own tax return and is
not married, type a ‘1’ for Single in this field and press [Enter].

Note: Take a moment to look at the bottom of the screen while you are still on the
filing status field. You should notice some information that will be very useful to
you while entering returns and trying to correct verify errors. In this case, the filing
status and description will be displayed. Notice that the program automatically
skips over the spouse information fields since this return is for a single taxpayer.

21. The next fields that are required are the address fields. Use the following information to
complete these fields.

• U.S. Address: 2575 Black Hills Drive, press [Enter]

• Apt. No: Press [Enter]
• Zip: 95623 press [Enter]
Note: Notice that the City and State fields will auto-populate with El Dorado CA
based on zip code.

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 22. For this tutorial, the fields after the address will be left alone. Scroll down to the health
care coverage question.

23. For the purpose of this tutorial, leave the box empty. Scroll down to the Remote
Signature questions.

24. For the purpose of this tutorial, enter in an N for both of these boxes and press [Enter].
Note: If you do not see the Remote Signature questions, you will need to accept
the Remote Signature agreement first and then transmit to apply the settings to
your Billing Scheme. Afterwards, click on Re-Load Billing under the Return menu
or [Ctrl+U] while you have the return open to view the Remote Signature
questions.

Since Mr. Smith has no dependents, the Client Data screen is complete for this tax return and you
can continue to the next step.

Step Two: Adding Forms to this return

When adding forms to a return, it is important that you start with any source documents such as
W-2’s or 1099’s. From these documents, the program is able to begin adding certain forms
automatically.
To add a Form W-2, follow the steps below:
1. Click on the Add Form button to open the All Forms & Schedules window. This list shows
all the forms and schedules that are available to be attached to this return. Notice that the
cursor rests on the Form W-2 by default.

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2. Press [Enter] on FRM W-2 or double-click on FRM W-2; this will add and display the Form
W-2. You should notice the taxpayer information has been brought forward from the
information entered on the Client Data screen.
3. The software will automatically take you to section b. Employer’s Identification Number by
default. Begin by entering the Employer’s Identification Number (EIN). Type the number
90-2334567 and press [Enter].

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4. Continue entering all information that is required for the employer by using the following
information:
• Employer’s Name (second line): Perfect Snow Place and press [Enter]
• Address: 123 Caples Crest and press [Enter]
• Zip: 96146 and press [Enter]
5. Once the employer’s information has been completed, the cursor will automatically move
to the Wages field. Enter 52239 and press [Enter]. The program will automatically
calculate the SS Wages, SS Tax Withheld, Medicare Wages, and Medicare Tax Withheld
fields.
Note: You may adjust the SS Wages, SS Tax Withheld, Medicare Wages, and
Medicare Tax Withheld fields if necessary. Some live returns may require it.

6. Your cursor should now be positioned at Box 2, Fed Tax Withheld field. This information
comes from Form W-2 box 2. In this case, type 7825 and press [Enter].

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 7. Your W-2 should look like the one pictured above. Please make any corrections now if
needed.
At this point the Form W-2 is complete for this return and you can continue to next step.

Step Three: Adding other Forms to this return

Mr. Smith also has a W-2G for Gambling Winnings that needs to be entered.
To add a Form W-2G, follow the steps below:
1. Click on Add Form to open the All Forms & Schedules window.
2. Double-click on FRM W-2G; this will add and display the Form W-2G. You should notice
the taxpayer information has been brought forward from the information entered on the
Client Data screen. The Software will automatically take you to the Federal ID field by
default.

3. Begin by entering the Federal ID. Type the number 31-7754321 and press [Enter].
4. Enter the following information that is required for the payer:
• Payer’s Name: Money Bank and press [Enter]
• In Care of or Other Address: Press [Enter]
• Street Address: 321 Atlantic Drive and press [Enter]
• Zip: 95642 and press [Enter]

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 5. Once the payer’s information has been completed, the Reportable Winnings can be
entered. Click on the Reportable Winnings field, Box 1, of the W-2G and enter the
following:
• Reportable Winnings: 10000 and press [Enter]
• Date Won: 06/20/2023 and press [Enter]

• Type of Wager: Type Slots and press [Enter]

• Federal Tax: 3269 and press [Enter]

At this point the Form W-2G is complete for this return and you can continue to the next step.

Step Four: Completing Form 8879

Charles wants to file this return electronically; you will need to fill out Form 8879 e-file Signature
Authorization Form. The Software automatically adds the 8879 by default. Follow the steps below
to complete Form 8879:
1. Double click on the Form 8879 located to the left of your tax return under the Attached
Forms window.

2. The cursor will be positioned on the Refund Type field. Enter the number 1 for Paper
Check, and press [Enter].
3. The cursor will now move to the EFIN# field. The EFIN number should already be entered
for you if you have setup your EFIN as the Default EFIN in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of
the Setup menu. If the EFIN number is not auto-populated, please enter your EFIN
number here and press [Enter].
4. The cursor will now move to the Home Phone number field, then the Work Phone field.
These should be auto-populated from the Client Data screen. Press [Enter] twice to pass
the Home Phone and Work Phone fields.
5. The cursor will now move to the Taxpayer PIN field. When electronically filing a return,
Form 8879 with PIN signature(s) must be used. A 5-Digit PIN must be entered for the

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 Taxpayer, Spouse (if applicable) and Preparer (any 5-digits, not all Zero’s). This field should
be automatically populated based on your software setup but if not, then follow step 7.
6. Enter 12345 for the Taxpayer PIN and press [Enter].
7. The cursor will move to Spouse PIN field. For this tutorial, Mr. Smith is filing as Single, so
no Spouse PIN is needed. Press [Enter] 6 times to move to the ERO/Paid Preparer (PP) PIN
field.
8. In order to complete Form 8879, the Part III – Declaration of Electronic Return Originator
section needs to be completed. The information in Part III provides the ERO’s information
to the IRS for the tax return. The program will auto-populate the information in Part III,
including the ERO PIN, from the EF Originators database based on the EFIN entered at the
top of Form 8879. If a Default EFIN was entered in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of the
Setup menu and the EFIN information in the EF Originators database, this section will be
auto-populated.
Note: If using more than one EFIN and/or Paid Preparer in an office, use the
Choices button to select the EFIN and or Paid Preparer information to auto
populate the ERO/PP information on the appropriate fields on Forms 8879 and
1040.

9. If the ERO/Paid Preparer PIN field is blank, enter a PIN, any 5 digits that are not all Zero’s
and press [Enter].
10. If the ERO/Preparer information is not completed, enter the needed information,
including: Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Phone number fields.
This will complete Form 8879 and you can move to the next step in this tutorial.

Step Five: Finalizing the return

The final step to be completed with any return is verification. This process compares the
return with electronic filing rules to verify it has been completed correctly.
Follow these steps to Verify and finalize the tax return:
1. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine. The Return
Errors and Rejects window will appear.

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2. Double click on the US RET 1040 Must check either YES or NO box Warning error. It
should take you to the following field.

3. For the purposes of this tutorial check the No box and press [Enter].
4. This should take you back to the Return Errors and Reject window. Double click on the
CLNT Information Required Field Missing Warning error.
5. This should take you to the Information and Status screen. Enter an X in the Signed 8879
box.
6. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine again.
7. You should see a window pop up similar to the one shown, which indicates there are no
verify errors or rejects within this return. Click on OK.

Note: If there are any error messages, please fix them to proceed with the tutorial.

8. At this point, you have two options to proceed. You can click the Queue button or press
[Ctrl+T] to open the Queue Return for Transmission window, or press [Ctrl+P] to print the
return.

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 9. Notice the FEDERAL [RFND: $] amount in the Attached Forms [Ctrl+F] window on the left
side of the tax return. The refund should be $4,636.
10. Since Mr. Smith would like his return electronically filed, click on the Queue button or
press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue Return for Transmission window.

11. It is recommended that you Do Not Transmit this return. This is used as a reference for
tutorial purposes only. Click on Close on the Queue Return for Transmission window.

Note: In a real scenario after opening the Queue Return for Transmission window,
you would click on the Queue Button to queue the return.

Step Six: Text Messaging

Mr. Smith would like a notification by text message when his return has been filed. Standard text
messaging charges apply to all your customers. Follow these steps to use Text Messaging:

1. While inside the tax return, from the toolbar click on the Send Text button and the
TextLink Plus Service window will open.

2. Type a message you would like to send to your client and click on OK.

3. The TextLink- Text Confirmation window will open asking you “Are you sure you want to
send this text message?” Click on Yes.

4. This will send the text message to the customer’s cell phone.

Step Seven: Sending a PDF copy of a return to a client

Mr. Smith would like a copy of his tax return by email in PDF format instead of printing the tax
return locally. Use the following steps to send a PDF copy of the tax return via email.

Note: It is required that the preparer have a Gmail email account in order to send a
PDF copy of the return via email and the email settings must be configured in the
software. To configure the email settings, go to Setup, Office Setup, and the
“Email” tab. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can register for a free Gmail

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 account on this tab as well. The recipients email that will be used is the one
entered in the Client Data screen. Make sure that an email has been entered in the
Client Data screen for the customer.

1. While inside the tax return, click on the Print button. The Print Final Return window will
appear.

2. Click on the Email button at the bottom of the Print Final Return window.

3. A small window titled PDF Password will open. This will give you the option to use the
auto-generated password, create your own password, or leave blank for no password.

Note: By default, the software automatically generates a password. It is strongly

recommended that a password be used due to the sensitive data being sent.

4. For the purpose of this tutorial, leave the password as is and click on OK.

5. A window will open with a subject and body field. The subject will be “2023 Tax Return”.
The subject can be edited to your liking but for this tutorial leave it as is.

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 6. The software automatically generates an email template along with the customer’s
information. This body is editable as well. You can type a message of your choice or leave
the template as is.

7. Next, check the Email attachment password box to send the customer a second email
with the password separate from this one for security reasons.

8. At the top, there is a Taxpayer check box and a Spouse checkbox. Since Mr. Smith is single,
the Taxpayer checkbox is checked. Leave this section as is.

9. Click on OK. An email has been sent to the email that you entered on the Client Data
screen. In a real scenario, the email would get sent out to the customers email with a PDF
copy of the tax return attached.

You may now proceed to the next step.

Step Eight: Deleting the Return

Since this is a test return, you may delete it from your database by doing the following.
1. To delete this return, click on the Return menu from the toolbar menu at the top and then
click on Delete Return. The Delete Return window will open asking if you want to delete
this return. Click on Yes to delete this return.

2. You will be redirected to the Lookup screen.

3. Click on the WIP button at the top or press [F2] to return to the Work in Progress screen.

Congratulations! You have now completed Tutorial #1!

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Tutorial #2

Tutorial #2 Objective:
Once you have completed this tutorial, you will know how to:
 Create a new tax return (Head of Household)
 Complete the following forms/screens: Client Data Screen, ACA Premium Tax Credit Form
(1095-A), Form 8962, Form W-2, 1040, 8867, EIC Checklist, and 8879.
 Verify a return
 Delete a tax return

Tutorial #2 Profile:
All taxpayer information needed to complete this return will be provided throughout tutorial #2’s
step-by-step process. (It is assumed that when an actual taxpayer arrives at your office they will
bring all appropriate documents with them to complete their tax return.)

Step One: The Client Data Screen

The first step when creating a new tax return is to complete the Client Data screen. The following
instructions will walk you through completing the Client Data screen.
1. From the Work in Progress Summary click on the Add New button on the Work in
Progress Toolbar.

2. Enter 408-00-1002 as the SSN and press [Tab] to move to the Confirm Entry box.
3. Enter the SSN (408-00-1002) a second time and click on OK.
4. Use the following to enter the Taxpayer information on the Client Data Screen:
• DOB: 03/20/1970
• Taxpayer’s First Name: Jack
• Taxpayer’s Middle Initial: (no Middle Initial)
• Taxpayer’s Last Name: Callahan

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 • Taxpayer’s Suffix: (no Suffix)
• Occupation: Security Guard (type it in)
• Dependent, Blind, or Disabled: NO, skip these questions.
• Home Phone: (209) 835-7228
• Work Phone: (209) 835-2720
• Driver License: D12123455555
• ID State: CA
• ID Issue Date: 01/01/2019
• ID Expiration Date: 01/01/2025
• ID Type: D
• Filing Status: (4) Head of Household
• Address: 1531 Lord Baltimore Place
• Zip: 21914, once entered the city and state should automatically populate.
5. Mr. Callahan has provided his personal Bank Account information so that his refund can
be deposited into his checking account at his bank. When Bank information is entered on
the Client Data screen, it is carried to the appropriate forms on the return and the Bank
name and RTN is stored in the Bank RTNs Database when the return is verified.

6. Enter the following Bank Information on the Client Data screen for Mr. Callahan’s return:
Note: There will be a Double Entry Validation window asking you to type the
account number again. This is a requirement to verify the account number is
correct.

• Bank Name: West Bank

• Routing Number: 121100782
• Verify the Routing Number
• Account No: 1112225555
• Verify the Account Number on the pop up screen
• Account Type: (X) Checking
7. For this tutorial, the Client Referral section will be left alone. Scroll down to the health
care coverage question.

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8. Mr. Callahan received a form 1095-A from his insurer through which he was insured all
year and signed up for using the “Marketplace”. To properly report this on the tax return,
enter an X on the box displayed below.

9. Mr. Callahan has a Dependent that needs to be entered in the ‘Dependents – Children and
other qualifying individuals’ table. Scroll down on the Client Data screen to find this
section. The Dependent information entered here will be carried to the appropriate forms
on the tax return.
10. Click on the First Name field under the Dependent table. Enter Jill and press [Enter].
11. The cursor will be on the Last Name field. Type the letter ‘C’ and notice that CALLAHAN
will be displayed on the field. Press [Enter] to enter CALLAHAN as the last name. This key
tracking auto-populating feature allows for faster data entry by populating the last name
of the Taxpayer in the Dependent Last Name fields on the Client Data Screen.

• DOB: 02/26/2009 and press [Enter].

• SSN: 408-22-3002 and press [Enter].
• Relationship: Type D to auto-populate Daughter and press [Enter].
• MO (Months): Type 12 for the number of months the dependent lived with the
taxpayer and press [Enter].
12. The next fields are the Dependent Codes. The software automatically generates these
codes based on age, months lived with taxpayer, and other qualifications. To view a list of
the Dependent Codes, click on the Choices button on the bottom of the screen. Generally,
this code will be 1 – Dependent Lived with Taxpayer. The next two fields will auto-
populate with ‘E’ and ‘C’ for the dependent being Eligible for EIC and Eligible for CTC (Child
Tax Credit). The last Code in the Dependent table is for Dependent Care. When marked

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 (X) the Dependent information is carried on to Form 2441 of the return. For this tutorial,
this field will be left blank.
13. Scroll down to the Remote Signature questions.

14. For the purpose of this tutorial, enter in an N for both of these boxes and press [Enter].

At this point, the Client Data screen is complete for this tax return and you can continue to the
next step.

Step Two: Adding Form W-2

1. As discussed in the previous tutorial and in the manual, you should always enter Income
(source) documents first.
2. As previously shown in tutorial #1 add Form W-2 and use the following information:
• EIN: 11-0110011

• Employer Name: Local School District

• Employer Address: 123 Oceanside Street

• Zip: 20772

• Wages: 20850

• Fed Tax Withheld: 1985

At this point the Form W-2 is complete for this return and you can continue to next step.

Step Three: Verifying the return

As explained before on the previous tutorial, the verification routine checks the return for errors
and if found will display them in the Return Errors and Rejects window.
1. Click on the Verify button to start the programs verification routine.
2. You should see the Return Errors and Rejects window pop up which indicates there are
verify errors within this return.
3. For this return there are different types of verify errors, some that are related to the Form
8867 and EIC CKLIST. Based on Mr. Callahan’s information, he is eligible to take the

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 Earned Income Credit. In order to receive this credit both of these forms must be
completed.
4. Double-click on the first EIC CKLIST verify error message and the program will take you to
the appropriate question to be answered on the form EIC Checklist. Enter ‘X’ in the proper
box and press [Enter].
5. The Return Errors and Rejects window will open again. Press [Enter] or double-click on the
second EIC CKLIST verify error message and the program will take you to the appropriate
question to be answered on the EIC Checklist. Enter ‘X’ in the proper box and press
[Enter].
6. Click on the Verify button to refresh the Return Errors and Rejects list. The Return Errors
and Rejects list needs to be “refreshed” since the errors are corrected.
7. Double-click on the next error, this time related to FRM 8867. The program will take you
to the appropriate question to be answered on the form 8867 Paid Preparer’s Due
Diligence Checklist.
8. Enter ‘X’ in the proper box and press [Enter]. Press [Enter] on the second FRM 8867 verify
error message and the program will take you to the appropriate question to be answered.
9. Repeat this process until all of the FRM 8867 errors have been fixed and then click on the
Verify button to refresh the Return Errors and Rejects list.
10. You will have two error messages, one regarding Form 8879 and the other regarding the
ACA Prem TC. In order to complete this return, and since the box was checked on the
Client Data screen for purchased health insurance through the Marketplace, we need to
fill out the ACA Questionnaire. Double click on the ACA Prem TC verify error to go to the
ACA Questionnaire – Marketplace and Premium Tax Credit (Subsidy) Calculations.

11. In Part 1- Health insurance through the Marketplace, enter an X in questions A. I

purchased my health insurance though the Marketplace and B. I purchased health
insurance through the Marketplace for at least one other person on my return.

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 12. Scroll down to Part 2- Form 1095-A. Statement Received from the Marketplace health
Insurance. Place an X in question 2 and enter 5000 for each of the total amounts in fields
A., B., and C.
You can now continue to the next step.

Step Four: Completing Form 8879

Since Mr. Callahan wants to file this return electronically, you will need to fill out the Form 8879
e-File Signature Authorization.
1. Double click on the Form 8879 located to the left of your tax return under the Attached
Forms window.
2. The cursor will be positioned on the Refund Type field. Enter the number 2 for Direct
Deposit, and press [Enter].

3. The cursor will now move to the EFIN# field. The EFIN number should already be entered
for you if you have setup your EFIN as Default EFIN in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of the
Setup menu. If the EFIN number is not auto-populated, please enter your EFIN number
here and press [Enter].
4. The cursor will now move to the Home Phone number field then the Work Phone field.
These should be auto-populated from the Client Data screen. Press [Enter] two times to
pass the Home Phone and Work Phone fields.
5. The cursor will now move to the Taxpayer PIN field. When electronically filing a return,
Form 8879 with PIN signature(s) must be used. A 5-Digit PIN must be entered for the
Taxpayer, Spouse (if applicable) and Preparer (any 5-digits, not all Zero’s).
6. Enter 54321 for the Taxpayer PIN and press [Enter].
7. The cursor will move to Spouse PIN field. For this tutorial, Mr. Callahan is filing as Head of
Household, so no Spouse PIN is needed. Press [Enter] 6 times to move to the ERO/Paid
Preparer PIN field.

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 8. In order to complete Form 8879, the Part III – Declaration of Electronic Return Originator
(ERO) section needs to be completed. The information in Part III provides the ERO
information to the IRS for the tax return. The program will auto-populate the information
in Part III, including the ERO PIN, from the EF Originators database based on the EFIN
entered at the top of Form 8879. If a Default EFIN was entered in the Office Setup, E-Filing
Tab of the Setup menu and the EFIN information in the EF Originators database, this
section will be auto-populated.
Note: If using more than one EFIN and/or Paid Preparer in an office, use the
Choices button to select the EFIN and or Paid Preparer information to auto-
populate the ERO/PP information on the appropriate fields on Forms 8879 and
1040.

9. If the ERO/Paid Preparer PIN field is blank, enter a PIN, any 5 digits that are not all Zero’s
and press [Enter].
10. If the ERO/Preparer information is not completed, enter the needed information, including
the Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Phone number fields.
This will complete Form 8879 and you can move to the next step in this tutorial.

Step Five: Finalizing the return

The final step to be completed with any return is verification. This process compares the return
with electronic filing rules to verify it has been completed correctly.
1. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine. The Return
Errors and Rejects window will appear.

2. Double click on the US RET 1040 Must check either YES or NO box Warning error. It
should take you to the following field.

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 3. For the purposes of this tutorial check the No box and press [Enter].
4. This should take you back to the Return Errors and Reject window. Double click on the
CLNT Information Required Field Missing Warning error.
5. This should take you to the Information and Status screen. Enter an X in the Signed 8879
box.
6. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine again.
7. You should see a window pop up similar to the one shown, which indicates there are no
verify errors or rejects within this return. Click on OK.

Note: If there are any error messages, please fix them to proceed with the
tutorial.

8. At this point, you have two options to proceed. You can press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue
Return for Transmission window, or press [Ctrl+P] to print the return.
9. Notice the FEDERAL [RFND: $] amount in the Attached Forms [Ctrl+F] window on the left
side of the tax return. The refund should be $7,099.
10. Since Mr. Callahan would like his return electronically filed, click on the Queue button or
press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue Return for Transmission window.
11. It is recommended that you Do Not Transmit this return. This is used as a reference for
tutorial purposes only. Click on Close on the Queue Return for Transmission window.

Note: In a real scenario after opening the Queue Return for Transmission window,
you would click on the Queue Button to queue the return.

Step Six: Deleting the Return

1. To delete this return click on Return from the toolbar menu and then click on Delete
Return. The Delete Return window opens asking if you want to delete this return. Click on
Yes to delete this return.

23
 2. You will be redirected to the Lookup screen.
3. Click on the WIP button or press [F2] to return to the Work in Progress screen.

Congratulations! You have now completed Tutorial #2!

24
Tutorial #3

Tutorial #3 Objective:
Once you have completed this tutorial, you will know how to:
 Create a new tax return (Married Filing Joint)

 Complete the following forms/screens: Client Data Screen, Forms W-2 (2), 8667, EIC
Checklist, 8812, 1040, 8879, and Electronic Bank Application.

 Verify the return

 Remote Sign return

 Send a pdf copy of tax return

 Delete the return

Begin Tutorial #3:

Step One: The Client Data Screen

Once again, the first step in creating a new tax return is to complete the Client Data Screen. Use
the following information to complete the Client Data Screen for Tutorial #3.
• Taxpayer SSN: 408-00-1003 • Filing Status: (2) Married Filing Joint

• DOB: 08/19/1971 • Spouse SSN: 408-00-2004

• Name: Brian Rodgers • DOB: 06/03/1974

• Occupation: Trainer • Name: Sarah Rodgers

• Dependent (No) Blind (No) Disabled • Occupation: Homemaker

(No)
• Dependent (No) Blind (No) Disabled
• Home Phone: (501) 568-9999 (No)

• Work: (501) 568-8888 • Cell: Valid # used for testing

• Cell: Valid # used for testing • Email Address: Working email

address for testing purposes.
• Email Address: Working email
address for testing purposes • Driver’s License info: D12345678911,
CA, 03/03/2019, 03/03/2025, S
• Driver’s License info: D12345678910,
CA, 02/02/2018, 02/02/2025, D • Address: 12457 Waytogo Blvd,
Wynot, NE 68792

25
 1. For this tutorial, the fields after the address will be left alone. Scroll down to the health
care coverage question.

2. For the purpose of this tutorial, leave it blank.

3. Complete the dependent information as shown below.

Dependent Information:

• Name: Tina Rodgers

• DOB: 02/20/2010

• SSN: 408-22-3004

• Relation: Daughter

• #MO: 12

• Dep Codes: 1 E C
4. Scroll down to the Remote Signature questions.

5. For the purpose of this tutorial, enter in a Y for these boxes and press [Enter].

Once the Client Data screen is completed for this tax return, you can continue to the next step.

Step Two: Adding a W-2 to this return

1. As discussed in the previous tutorial and in the manual, you should always enter
Income (source) documents first.
2. As shown in past tutorials, add FRM W-2 for the Taxpayer and use the following W-2
information for this tutorial.
Note: When adding W-2’s for Married Filing Joint returns, make sure that you
select the correct New Occurrence from the available choices. In this tutorial, both

26
 W-2’s are for Mr. Rodgers. Be sure when adding the W-2’s to select the New
Taxpayer’s Occurrence.

3. Mr. Rodgers has multiple W-2 forms to report. To add another form W-2 click on the
Add Form button to view the Available Forms list, and then press [Enter] twice for a
New Taxpayer Occurrence to be added.
4. Enter the W-2 information for the second W-2 as shown below.

27
Once completed with the W-2’s you can move on to the next step.

Step Three: Verifying the return

The verification routine checks the return for errors and if found will display them in the Return
Errors and Rejects window.
1. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine.
2. You should see the Return Errors and Rejects window pop up which indicates there are
verify errors within this return.
3. Double click on the US RET 1040 Must check either YES or NO box Warning error. It
should take you to the following field.

28
 4. For the purposes of this tutorial check the No box and press [Enter].
5. This should take you back to the Return Errors and Reject window. Double click on the
CLNT Information Required Field Missing Warning error.
6. This should take you to the Information and Status screen. Enter an X in the Signed 8879
box.
7. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine again.
8. For this return, there are two verify errors for EIC CKLIST. Based on the information
entered in the return, the Rodger’s may be eligible to take the Earned Income Credit. In
order to receive this credit the EIC Checklist must be completed.
9. Double-click on the first EIC CKLIST verify error message and the program will take you to
the appropriate question to be answered on the form EIC Checklist. Enter ‘X’ in the proper
box and press [Enter].
10. The Return Errors and Rejects window will open again. Press [Enter] or double click-on the
second EIC CKLIST verify error message and the program will take you to the appropriate
question to be answered on the EIC Checklist. Enter ‘X’ in the No box.
11. Click on the Verify button to refresh the Return Errors and Rejects list. The Return Errors
and Rejects list needs to be “refreshed” since the errors are corrected. Next you will see
some FRM 8867 verify messages that need to be addressed.
12. Double-click on the first FRM 8867 error and the program will take you to the appropriate
question to be answered on the form 8867 Paid Preparer’s Due Diligence Checklist.
13. Enter ‘X’ in the appropriate box and press [Enter]. Press [Enter] on the second FRM 8867
verify error message and the program will take you to the appropriate question to be
answered.
14. Repeat this process until all of the FRM 8867 errors have been fixed and then click on the
Verify button to refresh the Return Errors and Rejects list.

Step Four: Completing Form 8879

Because Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers want to file this return electronically and apply for a Refund
Anticipation Check (RAC), you will need to fill out the IRS e-File Signature Authorization and the
Electronic Bank Application.
1. Double click on the Form 8879 located to the left of your tax return under the Attached
Forms window.
2. The Refund Type field will be automatically highlighted. Mr. and Mrs. Rodger would like to
apply for a Refund Anticipation Check (RAC), enter a 5 (RAC) for the Refund Type and
press [Enter].

29
 3. The cursor will now move to the EFIN# field. The EFIN number should already be entered
for you if you have setup your EFIN as Default EFIN in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of the
Setup menu. If the EFIN number is not auto-populated, please enter your EFIN number
here and press [Enter].
4. The cursor will now move to the Home Phone number field then the Work Phone field.
These should be auto-populated from the Client Data Screen. Press [Enter] twice to pass
the Home Phone and Work Phone fields
5. The cursor will now move to the Taxpayer PIN field. When electronically filing a return,
Form 8879 with PIN signature(s) must be used. A 5-Digit PIN must be entered for the
Taxpayer, Spouse (if applicable) and Preparer (any 5-digits, not all Zero’s).
6. Enter 77777 for the Taxpayer PIN and press [Enter].
7. The cursor will move to Spouse PIN field. For this tutorial, Mr. Rogers is filing as married,
so a Spouse PIN is needed.
8. Enter 88888 for the Spouse Pin and press [Enter] 6 times to move to the ERO/Paid
Preparer PIN field.
9. In order to complete Form 8879, the Part III – Declaration of Electronic Return Originator
(ERO) section needs to be completed. The information in Part III provides the ERO
information to the IRS for the tax return. The program will auto-populate the information
in Part III, including the ERO PIN, from the EF Originators database based on the EFIN
entered at the top of Form 8879. If a Default EFIN was entered in the Office Setup, E-Filing
Tab of the Setup menu and the EFIN information in the EF Originators database, this
section will be auto-populated.
Note: If using more than one EFIN and/or Paid Preparer in an office, use the
Choices button to select the EFIN and or Paid Preparer information to auto-
populate the ERO/PP information on the appropriate fields on Forms 8879 and
1040.

10. If the ERO/Paid Preparer PIN field is blank, enter a PIN, any 5 digits that are not all Zero’s
and press [Enter].
11. If the ERO/Preparer information is not completed, enter the needed information, including:
Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Phone number fields.
This will complete Form 8879 and you can move to the next step in this tutorial.

Step Five: Completing the Bank Application

As previously stated Mr. & Mrs. Rodgers would like to have their return electronically filed and
have their preparer fees taken out of their refund. To do this they would have to get a bank
product. They also want their left over refund as a check. Follow the next steps to add a bank
product to the return using the Bank RT Application form.

30
 1. On the left hand side under the Attached Forms menu, click on the form BANK APP.

Note: For this tutorial we are using a SBTPG bank application, therefore your bank
application might look differently if using a different bank.

2. Enter all the information and answer the questions required by the bank application as
shown below.
Note: For this tutorial, a tax preparation fee of $350.00 will be used as an example.
This fee automatically populated from billing setup. ***If you do not use billing
setup, please enter this amount on the Invoice in the section: Fees Related to Tax
Preparation Services first.

3. Scroll down to the Taxpayer Identification section. In the Taxpayer Identification section click
on the Transfer ID Information from CDS box and enter an X and then press [Enter].

31
Note: This will carry forward the ID information entered in the Client Data screen, making the
bank app completion process simpler.

4. Enter a Y in the box stating “I have personally examined the unexpired, government-issued
photo identification provided to me by the applicant and confirm that the applicant matches
the likeness and description of the person described on the ID”.
5. Press [Enter] and then scroll down to the Account Information section, you will notice that by
default there is an X in the Cashier’s Check checkbox, for this tutorial leave this checkbox as
is and scroll down to the Truth In Lending Disclosures section.

32
6. Click on the Selected Packages US/ST field. Notice that the code field will automatically be
filled in. For illustration purposes Click on Choices… and select the available refund and click
on OK.
7. All of the information for the bank application is now entered. Below you can review the fees
associated with the bank product and preparer fees. Keep in mind all these fees are for
testing purposes only to give a general idea of how a bank application will look like. You are
now ready to print the Bank Documents for the taxpayer to sign.
Important: The Bank Documents must be printed separately in order to be able to
E-file the Tax return. This is a Bank mandate that is enforced through a Fatal Verify
error. This verify error will not go away until Bank Documents are printed.

8. Click on Print from the toolbar and then click on Bank Documents to print the bank
documents. You will receive a verify error asking you to print the Bank documents, click on
the Next button to proceed to the print window.
9. Click on the Print button to print the bank documents. The print window will then close by
itself.

33
10. Click on Vefiry or press [Ctrl+V]. The No Errors/Rejects window will open stating the “Return
Verified Successfully”. Click on OK.

Note: Some verify errors for this return may be the result of missing information
on the Bank Application or no fees being entered on the Bank App or the fees
entered not matching the fees on the Invoice. If there are verify errors try to
correct them.

The Bank Application is now complete, and you can move on to the next step.

Step Six: Finalizing the return

1. At this point, you have two options to proceed. You can press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue
Return for Transmission window, or press [Ctrl+P] to print the return.

2. Notice the FEDERAL [RFND: $] amount in the Attached Forms [Ctrl+F] window on the left side
of the tax return. The refund should be $7,863.

3. Since Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers would like their return electronically filed, click on the Queue
button or press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue Return for Transmission window.

4. It is recommended that you Do Not Transmit this return. This is used as a reference for
tutorial purposes only. Click on Close on the Queue Return for Transmission window.

Note: In a real scenario after opening the Queue Return for Transmission window,
you would click on the Queue Button to queue the return.

Step Seven: Signing the tax return remotely

Mr. & Mrs. Rodgers are not at the office currently but would like to be able to sign the tax return
from their current location. Follow these steps to use the Remote Signature function.
Note: In order to use the Remote Signature feature, there is a charge per SSN. If you do
not wish to be charged, you can skip this step of the tutorial.

1. While inside the tax return, click on the Print button. The Print Final Return window will
appear.

2. Click on the RemoteSign button to initiate the remote sign feature. A window titled In-
Office Signature Options will appear asking if you want to capture their signature now.

34
 3. Do not select any of the boxes as all parties want to sign remotely in this example.
Instead, click on OK.

4. The software will open a window named Remote Sign Options, which will allow you to
select how you would like to send the remote signature request as shown below.

Note: If the Taxpayer/Spouse does not have a Cell Phone or Email on the Client
Data Screen, these areas will be greyed out.

5. Select the option for Taxpayer/Spouse Cell Phone number and click on Ok. The program
will now send a text message to the client’s cell phone where they will complete the
signing process.

6. Once the customer has signed the document electronically, you can proceed to the next
step.

Step Eight: Sending a pdf copy of a return to a client

Mr. & Mrs. Rodgers would like a PDF copy of their tax return emailed to his email address. Follow
the following steps to send a pdf copy of a tax return via email:
1. While inside the tax return click on the Print button. The Print Final Return window will
appear.

2. Click on the Email button at the bottom of the Print Final Return Screen.

35
 3. A small window titled PDF Password will open. This will give you the option to use the
auto-generated password, create your own password, or leave blank for no password.

Note: It is strongly recommended that a password be used due to the sensitive

data being sent.

4. For the purposes of this tutorial, leave the password as is and click on OK.

5. A window will open with a subject and body field. The subject of the email will be “2023
Tax Return”. The subject can be edited to your liking. For this tutorial, leave it as is.

6. For the body of the email, the software automatically generates an email template along
with the customer’s information. This body is editable as well. You can type a message of
your choice or leave the template as is.
7. Next, check the Email attachment password box to send the customer a second email
with the password separate from this one for security reasons.
8. At the top, there is a Taxpayer check box and a Spouse checkbox. Since both Mr. and Mrs.
Rodgers email addresses were entered on the Client Data screen, both the Taxpayer and
Spouse checkbox are checked. This will send both a copy of the tax return to their email
accounts entered in the Client Data screen.
9. Click on OK. An email has been sent to the customer with a pdf copy of their tax return
attached.

Step Nine: Deleting the Return

1. To delete this return, click on Return from the toolbar menu and then click on Delete
Return. The Delete Return window opens asking if you want to delete this return. Click on
Yes to delete this return. Click on the WIP button or press [F2] to return to the Work in
Progress screen.

Congratulations! You have now completed Tutorial #3!

36
Tutorial #4

Tutorial #4 Objective:
Once you have completed this tutorial, you will know how to:
 Create a new tax return (Married Filing Joint)
 Complete the following forms: Client Data Screen, Forms W-2, 1099-R, 1040, Schedule A,
8283, 1098-C, Tax Summary and 8879.
 Complete the Dependent Care Credit
 Verify the return
 View the Tax Summary page
 Use the SignDoc feature
 Delete the return

Tutorial #4 Profile:
This tutorial, and all others to follow, will build on procedures explained previously. If you are
unsure of how to complete any steps in this tutorial, please refer to the previous tutorials for
clarification. Tutorial #4 is a return for a married couple that are claiming three Dependents with
one Child Care Credit. They will also be itemizing for their deduction.

Step One: Completing the Client Data Screen

Begin by entering the information below on the Client Data screen:
• Taxpayer SSN: 408-00-1005 • Spouse SSN: 408-00-2005

• DOB: 05/10/1971 • DOB: 06/11/1973

• Name: Rory Templeton • Name: Jane T. Templeton

• Occupation: Chef • Occupation: Housewife

• Dependent (No) Blind (No) Disabled • Dependent (No) Blind (No) Disabled
(No) (Yes)

• Home Phone: (501) 568-9999 • Address: 4 Lombardi Dr. Green Bay,

WI 05
• Work: (501) 568-8888

• Filing Status: (2) Married Filing Joint

1. Scroll down to the health care coverage question. For the purpose of this tutorial, leave
that question blank.

37
 2. Refer to the Dependents information below to complete the Client Data Screen; all three
kids lived with their parents for all 12 months. Be sure to enter an ‘X’ for Dependent Care
Credit for the first child.

3. Scroll down to the Remote Signature questions. For the purpose of this tutorial, enter in
an N for these boxes and press [Enter].

Once you have entered all information on the Client Data screen, you are ready to continue to the
next step in completing this return.

38
Step Two: Adding Income (source) documents
1. As discussed in the previous tutorials, you should always enter Income (source)
documents first.
2. Use the following information to fill out the Form W-2 for the Taxpayer in this return.

3. Once you have filled out the W-2 you may move on to add the next income source form
and use the following 1099-R for this return. This will also be for the Taxpayer.

39
Once you have completed entering the source documents, continue to the next step completing
Form 2441.

Step Three: Completing Form 2441 to this return

Having entered all information regarding the taxpayers and their family, you are ready to begin
adding any additional forms needed. In this case, Form 2441 Child Care Credit needs to be added.
The following procedures will walk you through filling out Form 2441.
Note: Form 2441 has added automatically based on the information provided on
the Client Data screen.

1. Open Form 2441 by double clicking FRM 2441 under the Attached Forms list the list on the
left hand side.
2. Click on the the Care Provider’s Name field on Part I Line 1a. Use the following information
to complete this form.
a) Care Provider Name: Wonder Kinder Care

40
 b) Address: 1234 Fun St, [Enter] Green Bay, WI 54301
c) Identifying Number: 774322211, E (EIN)
d) HH (household employee): N
e) Amount Paid: 3000
3. Notice that the name of the dependent Larry Templeton was automatically entered based
on the information entered in the Client Data screen.
4. Enter 3000 for the Qualified Expenses for Larry Templeton on Line 2 (d).
5. Since Mrs. Templeton is disabled and has no income on the return, an amount will need to
be entered on Line 5a of Form 2441. Enter 3000 on Line 5a and press [Enter].
Note: For more information on entering an amount on Line 5a for a Spouse who
has no income but was a student or is disabled, press [F1] or click on the Help
Menu and click on Current Topic.
6. Once you have entered the expense amount, the program will take the available form
information and calculate the appropriate credit. This amount will also be carried over to
Form 1040 automatically.
Once you have completed form 2441, continue on with adding the Schedule A.

Step Four: Adding the Schedule A

The next form that needs to be added is the Schedule A. Follow the same procedures you have
used to reach this point to attach the form and enter the following information on the Schedule
A. Notice how line 5a automatically populates a number based on state taxes paid.
• Line 5b. Real Estate Taxes: 4500

• Line 8a. Home Mortgage interest and points 1st: 10000

41
Step Five: Completing the Form 1098-C
1. Click the Add Form button and select the 1098-C.
2. Fill out the 1098-C form as shown below.

42
Form 1098-C is now complete and the information entered on Form 1098-C will be carried to Line
12 of the Schedule A and to form 8283.
In the Attached Forms window, double-click on SCH A and scroll down to line 12 and notice that
the description From Form 8283 and 15,000 have been carried over. In addition, Form 8283 has
been completed automatically.

43
After you have completed the Schedule A, the itemized deduction should be greater than the
standard deduction. The Itemized Deduction total on Line 17 of the Schedule A should be
$30,249. That amount will now be carried over to Line 12a of the Form 1040.

Step Six: Completing Form 8879

Mr. and Mrs. Templeton’s return is now complete. Because the Templeton’s would like to file
this return electronically, you will need to fill out the IRS e-file Signature Authorization form.
1. Double click on the Form 8879 located to the left of your tax return under the Attached
Forms window.
2. The cursor will be positioned on the Refund Type field. Enter the number 1 for Paper
Check, and press [Enter].
3. The cursor will now move to the EFIN# field. The EFIN number should already be entered
for you if you have setup your EFIN as Default EFIN in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of the
Setup menu. If the EFIN number is not auto-populated, please enter your EFIN number
here and press [Enter].
4. The cursor will now move to the Home Phone number field then the Work Phone field.
These should be auto-populated from the Client Data screen. Press [Enter] twice to pass
the Home Phone and Work Phone fields.
5. The cursor will now move to the Taxpayer PIN field. When electronically filing a return,
Form 8879 with PIN signature(s) must be used. A 5-Digit PIN must be entered for the
Taxpayer, Spouse (if applicable) and Preparer (any 5-digits, not all Zero’s).
6. Enter 12345 for the Taxpayer PIN and press [Enter].

44
 7. Enter 12354 for the Spouses Pin and press [Enter] 5 times to move to the ERO/Paid
Preparer (PP) PIN.
8. In order to complete Form 8879, the Part III – Declaration of Electronic Return Originator
(ERO) section needs to be completed. The information in Part III provides the ERO
information to the IRS for the tax return. The program will auto-populate the information
in Part III, including the ERO PIN, from the EF Originators database based on the EFIN
entered at the top of Form 8879. If a Default EFIN was entered in the Office Setup, E-Filing
Tab of the Setup menu and the EFIN information in the EF Originators database, this
section will be auto-populated.
Note: If using more than one EFIN and/or Paid Preparer in an office, use
the Choices button to select the EFIN and or Paid Preparer information
to auto-populate the ERO/PP information on the appropriate fields on
Forms 8879 and 1040.
9. If the ERO/Paid Preparer PIN field is blank, enter a PIN, any 5 digits that are not all Zero’s
and press [Enter].
10. If the ERO/Preparer information is not completed, enter the needed information,
including: Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Phone number fields.

This will complete Form 8879 and you can move to the next step in this tutorial.

Step Seven: Verifying the return

The next step in this tutorial is to verify the return to fix any error messages that are left.
1. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine.
2. You should see the Return Errors and Rejects window pop up which indicates there are
verify errors within this return.
3. Double click on the US RET 1040 Must check either YES or NO box Warning error. It
should take you to the following field.

4. For the purposes of this tutorial check the No box and press [Enter].
5. This should take you back to the Return Errors and Reject window. Double click on the
CLNT Information Required Field Missing Warning error.
6. This should take you to the Information and Status screen. Enter an X in the Signed 8879
box.

45
 7. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine again.
8. You will see a SCH A verify message that needs to be addressed.
9. Enter in a description for State and local real estate taxes entered on SCH A line 5b and
press [Enter].
10. You will see some FRM 8867 verify messages that need to be addressed.
11. Double-click on the first FRM 8867 error and the program will take you to the appropriate
question to be answered on the form 8867 Paid Preparer’s Due Diligence Checklist.
12. Enter ‘X’ in the appropriate box and press [Enter]. Press [Enter] on the second FRM 8867
verify error message and the program will take you to the appropriate question to be
answered.
13. Repeat this process until all of the FRM 8867 errors have been fixed and then click on the
Verify button to refresh the Return Errors and Rejects list. Once all errors have been fixed
you will get the following screen after you click on Verify. Click on OK.

Step Eight: The Tax Summary Screen

Now we will take a look at a very helpful screen called the Tax Summary screen but first we will
revisit the Attached Forms section and go a little more in-depth.
1. To get to the tax summary page, first we have to look to the left of the screen. You will see
the Attached Forms section; notice the different sections mentioned below. While the tax
return we are currently working on does no show all of the sections, it is very important to
know what these sections are and how to navigate them.

46
 • The General section contains the
Client Data screen, Information &
Status, Tax Summary, Invoice* and
Rejects* (* - if applicable) etc.
• The Federal section contains all
Federal Forms, Worksheets and
Schedules attached to the return,
including the taxpayer’s
Refund/Balance Due amount after
verifying the return.
• The State section contains all
State(s) Forms, Worksheets and
Schedules attached to the return,
including the taxpayer’s
Refund/Balance Due amount after
verifying the return.
• The Proforma section contains all
Proforma Forms for a return that
were year to year transferred.

2. To view the Tax Summary screen click on the Tax Summary in the General section of the
Attached Forms section.
3. Compare the amounts of the Tax Summary on the following page to the Tax Summary in
the return. Notice all the useful information provided, including the Wages, Total Income,
Personal Exemptions, Credits, Refund and Itemized Deductions vs. Standard Deduction.

47
Now that you completed all steps that are needed for the Templeton’s return, it is time to
complete the return.

Step Nine: Finishing the Return and using the SignDoc Feature
1. At this point, you have two options to proceed. You can press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue
Return for Transmission window, or press [Ctrl+P] to print the return.
2. For this return, click on the Print Button at the very top of the screen. The Print Final
Return window will appear.
3. IF you have On-screen Signature enabled click on the SignDoc button. The Capture
Taxpayer Signature window will appear. At this point, the taxpayer would sign the return
using the mouse or touch screen, in this case enter a signature in place of the taxpayer
and Spouse for this example and click on Accept twice. A PDF with the taxpayers and
spouse signature will automatically open. Included with this should be the tax preparer’s
signature, if it was configured in the software already.

48
 4. IF you do not have a Signature pad or would not like to capture the taxpayer and spouse
signatures using the On-Screen signature, click on the Print button and when the Print
Final Return window opens click on the Print button to print the return.
5. Since Mr. and Mrs. Templeton would like their return electronically filed, click on the
Queue button or press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue Return for Transmission window.
6. It is recommended that you Do Not Transmit this return. This is used as a reference for
tutorial purposes only. On the Queue Return for Transmission window click on Close.
Note: In a real scenario after opening the Queue Return for Transmission window,
you would click on the Queue Button to queue the return

7. Click on Return from the toolbar menu and then click on Delete Return. The Delete Return
window opens asking if you want to delete this return. Click on Yes to delete this return.
Click on the WIP button or press [F2] to return to the Work in Progress screen.

Congratulations! You have completed Tutorial #4!

49
Tutorial #5

Tutorial #5 Objective:
Once you have completed this tutorial, you will know how to:
 Create a new tax return (Married Filling Joint)
 Complete the following forms: Client Data Screen, Schedule 1, ACA Prem TC (1095-A),
Forms W-2, Schedule A, Schedule C, Schedule SE, and 8879.
 Verify the return
 Delete the return

Tutorial #5 Profile:
This tutorial will be more complex than the previous tutorials. But like the previous tutorials, it
will assume you have gained the knowledge needed to complete previously introduced screens
such as the Client Data screen and adding income source forms. As before, if you have any
problems with any of the procedures, please refer to the manual or previous tutorials for more
clarification.

Step One: Completing the Client Data Screen

Use the following taxpayer information to complete the Client Data Screen.
• Taxpayer SSN: 408-00-1006 • Spouse SSN: 408-00-2006

• DOB: 02/12/1976 • DOB: 05/14/1977

• Name: Barney Daniels • Name: Betty Daniels

• Occupation: Engineer • Occupation: Self-Employed

• Dependent (No) Blind (No) Disabled • Dependent (No) Blind (No) Disabled
(No) (No)

• Home Phone: (601) 554-5430 • Address: 1012 Dodge Ball Drive,

Houston, TX 77077
• Filing Status: (2) Married Filing Joint

For this tutorial, the fields after the address will be left alone. Scroll down to health care coverage
question.

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 1. For the purpose of this tutorial enter an X and press [Enter].

Note: This means that the Taxpayer or anyone else included in this tax return did
have health coverage though the Marketplace.

2. Refer to the Dependent information below to complete the Client Data Screen; the child
lived with his parents for all 12 months.
• Name: Sam Daniels
• DOB: 02/14/2007
• SSN: 408-22-5006
• Relation: Son

• Months: 12
• Codes: 1, E, C

3. Scroll down to the Remote Signature questions. For the purpose of this tutorial, enter in
an N for these boxes and press [Enter].

Once you have entered all information on the Client Data screen, you are ready to continue to the
next step in completing this return.

Step Two: Adding W-2’s to this return

1. As discussed in the previous tutorial and in the manual, you should always enter source
documents first. At this time, you should enter the W-2 required for this return.
Note: When adding W-2’s for Married Filing Joint returns, make sure that you
select the correct New Occurrence from the available choices. In this tutorial, the
only W-2 is for Mr. Daniels. Be sure when adding the W-2 to select the New
Taxpayer’s Occurrence the W-2 as shown below.

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Once you have completed adding the W-2 information, continue to the next step, adding
Schedule C.

Step Three: Adding the Schedule C

1. We are now ready to add the Schedule C for Betty Daniels. Attach the Schedule C the
same as any other forms that you have attached to this point, making sure that you attach
a New Spouse’s Occurrence NOT the Taxpayer.
2. Enter the following information as shown below to complete the Schedule C.

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Use the following numbers to complete the Part I Income:
• Line 1. Gross receipts or sales: 275000
• Line 2. Returns and allowances: 17000
• Line 4. Cost of goods sold: This number is calculated by using part III, lines 33
– 42. Press [Ctrl+G], type 33 in the box and press [Enter] to get to the Cost of
Goods Sold Section.
Use the following to complete the Cost of goods sold calculation:
• Line 33. Method used to value closing inventory: a. Cost: X
• Line 34. Was there any change in determination from open to close? No: X
• Line 35. Inventory at beginning of year: 300000
• Line 36. Purchases less cost of items withdrawn for personal use: 42000
• Line 37. Cost of labor: 50000
• Line 38. Materials and supplies: 10000

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 • Line 39. Other costs: 5000
• Line 41. Inventory at end of year: 278000
• Line 42. Cost of goods sold should calculate to $129,000 and show on Line 4
automatically.
3. At this point, we need to enter our Expenses for the store operation. To do this, press
[Ctrl+G] and type the number 8 to go to the expenses section of the Schedule C.
Part II - Expenses Section:

• Line 8. Advertising: 3000

• Line 11. Contract labor: 10000
• Line 14. Employee benefits: 5000
• Line 15. Insurance: 25000
• Line 17. Legal/Pro services: 3200
• Line 18. Office expense: 6000
• Line 20. a. Machinery & equipment: 13200
• Line 21. Repairs & maintenance: 500
• Line 22. Supplies: 1250
• Line 23. Taxes & licenses: 750
• Line 25. Utilities: 2400
• Line 26. Wages: 40000
This should now complete the Schedule C. Compare your numbers to the following:
• Line 7. Gross Income: 129000

• Line 28. Total expenses before business use of home: 110300

• Line 29. Tentative profit or (loss): 18700

• Line 31. Profit or (loss): 18700

The amount from Line 31 of the Schedule C will be carried to Line 3 of the Schedule 1 as shown
below. This will then flow to the total of line 8 of the 1040 Form.

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Please Note: Schedules 1-3 will display on an as needed basis or when added manually like any
other form, unless the “Auto-add 1040 Schedules 1-3” is checked in the Office Setup of the
software.

You have now completed the Schedule C and can move on to the next step.

Step Four: Adding Schedule A

The next form that needs to be added is the Schedule A. Follow the same procedures you have
used in previous tutorials to attach form Schedule A. Use the following information to complete
the Schedule A:
• Line 1. Mileage: Enter 150 January-June mileage @.18/mile

• Line 1. Mileage: Enter 150 July-December mileage @.22/mile

• Line 1. Taxpayer Long-term Care Premiums: 3200

• Line 5b: State and local estate taxes: 5400

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 • Line 8a. Home Mortgage Interest 1st: 19600

The Schedule A is now complete and the amount on Line 17 should be $26,033. You can now
move on to the next step.

Step Five: Completing the ACA Prem TC (1095-A)

Since we marked on the Client Data that Mr. & Mrs. Daniels purchased health insurance through
the Marketplace, the ACA questionnaire must be completed. This form is completed using the
values from the Form 1095-A that the Taxpayer should have received from the Marketplace.
1. Click on the Verify button and then double click on the ACA Prem TC verify error to go to
the ACA Questionnaire – Marketplace and Premium Tax Credit (Subsidy) Calculations.
2. In Part 1- Health insurance through the Marketplace, enter an X in question A. I purchased
my health insurance though the Marketplace.

3. In Part 2- Form 1095-A. type an X for Question 2 and enter 500 for each of the total
amounts in fields A., B., and C.

Step Six: Completing Form 8879

Now it is time to complete the 8879, follow the steps below to complete Form 8879.
1. Double click on the Form 8879 located to the left of your tax return under the Attached
Forms window.
2. The cursor will be positioned on the Refund Type field. Enter the number 1 for Paper
Check and press [Enter].
3. The cursor will now move to the EFIN# field. The EFIN number should already be entered
for you if you have setup your EFIN as Default EFIN in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of the
Setup menu. If the EFIN number is not auto-populated, please enter your EFIN number
here and press [Enter].

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 4. The cursor will now move to the Home Phone number field then the Work Phone field.
These should be auto-populated from the Client Data screen. Press [Enter] twice to pass
the Home Phone and Work Phone fields.
5. The cursor will now move to the Taxpayer PIN field. When electronically filing a return,
Form 8879 with PIN signature(s) must be used. A 5-Digit PIN must be entered for the
Taxpayer, Spouse (if applicable) and Preparer (any 5-digits, not all Zero’s).
6. Enter 12345 for the Taxpayer PIN and press [Enter].
7. Enter 12354 for the Spouses Pin and press [Enter] 5 times to move to the ERO/Paid
Preparer (PP) PIN.
8. In order to complete Form 8879, the Part III – Declaration of Electronic Return Originator
(ERO) section needs to be completed. The information in Part III provides the ERO
information to the IRS for the tax return. The program will auto-populate the information
in Part III, including the ERO PIN, from the EF Originators database based on the EFIN
entered at the top of Form 8879. If a Default EFIN was entered in the Office Setup, E-Filing
Tab of the Setup menu and the EFIN information in the EF Originators database, this
section will be auto-populated.
Note: If using more than one EFIN and/or Paid Preparer in an office,
use the Choices button to select the EFIN and or Paid Preparer
information to auto-populate the ERO/PP information on the
appropriate fields on Forms 8879 and 1040.
9. If the ERO/Paid Preparer PIN field is blank, enter a PIN, any 5 digits that are not all Zero’s
and press [Enter].
10. If the ERO/Preparer information is not completed, enter the needed information,
including: Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Phone number fields.

This will complete Form 8879 and you can move to the next step in this tutorial.

Step Seven: Finishing the return

Now that you completed all steps that are needed for the Daniels’s return, it is time to verify the
return.
1. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine.
2. Double click on the US RET 1040 Must check either YES or NO box Warning error. It
should take you to the following field.

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3. For the purposes of this tutorial check the No box and press [Enter].
4. This should take you back to the Return Errors and Reject window. Double click on the
CLNT Information Required Field Missing Warning error.
5. This should take you to the Information and Status screen. Enter an X in the Signed 8879
box and press [Enter]
6. You will see a SCH A verify message that needs to be addressed.
7. Enter in a description for State and local real estate taxes entered on SCH A line 5b and
press [Enter].
8. You will see some FRM 8867 verify messages that need to be addressed.
9. Double-click on the first FRM 8867 error and the program will take you to the appropriate
question to be answered on the form 8867 Paid Preparer’s Due Diligence Checklist.
10. Enter ‘X’ in the appropriate box and press [Enter]. Press [Enter] on the second FRM 8867
verify error message and the program will take you to the appropriate question to be
answered.
11. Repeat this process until all of the FRM 8867 errors have been fixed and then click on the
Verify button to refresh the Return Errors and Rejects list. Once all errors have been fixed
you will get the following screen after you click on Verify. Click on OK.

12. At this point, you have two options to proceed. You can press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue
Return for Transmission window, or press [Ctrl+P] to print the return.
13. Notice the FEDERAL [RFND: $] amount in the Attached Forms [Ctrl+F] window on the left
side of the tax return. The refund should be $5,472.
14. Since Mr. and Mrs. Daniels would like their return electronically filed, click on the Queue
button or press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue Return for Transmission window.
15. It is recommended that you Do Not Transmit this return. This is used as a reference for
tutorial purposes only. On the Queue Return for Transmission window click on Close.
Note: In a real scenario after opening the Queue Return for Transmission window,
you would click on the Queue Button to queue the return

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Step Eight: Deleting the Return
1. To delete this return click on Return from the toolbar menu and then click on Delete
Return. The Delete Return window opens asking if you want to delete this return. Click on
Yes to delete this return.
2. Click on the WIP button or press [F2] to return to the Work in Progress screen.

Congratulations! You have completed Tutorial #5!

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Tutorial #6

Tutorial #6 Objective:
Once you have completed this tutorial, you will know how to:
 Create a new tax return.
 Complete the following forms: Client Data Screen, Schedule 1, Schedule C, Schedule SE,
Car & Truck Expense Worksheet, and Form 4562.
 Using the SignDoc feature
 Verify the return
 Delete the return

Tutorial #6 Profile:
This tutorial will be more complex than the previous tutorials. However, like the previous
tutorials, it will assume you have gained the knowledge needed to complete previously
introduced screens such as the Client Data screen and Schedule C. As before, if you have any
problems with any of the procedures, please refer to the Manual or previous tutorials for more
clarification.

Step One: Completing the Client Data Screen

Use the following information to complete the Client Data Screen.
• Taxpayer SSN: 408-00-1007

• DOB: 02/01/1955

• Name: Leslie Thomas

• Occupation: Self-Employed

• Dependent (No) Blind (No) Disabled (No)

• Home Phone: (888) 420-4040

• Email: Working email for testing purposes

• Filing Status: (1) Single

• Address: 40 Main Street, Yosemite National, CA 95389

1. Scroll down to the health care coverage question. For the purpose of this tutorial, leave
the box empty.

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 2. Scroll down to the Remote Signature questions. For the purpose of this tutorial, enter in
an N for these boxes and press [Enter].

Step Two: Adding a Schedule C to this return

1. As discussed in the previous tutorials and in the manual, you should always enter source
documents first. Ms. Thomas is self-employed and all of her income is reported on a
Schedule C. At this time, you should add the Schedule C for this return. Use the following
information to complete Schedule C.

Part I – Income:

• Line 1. Gross receipts or sales: 14300

Part II – Expenses:

• Line 8. Advertising: 600

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 • Line 9. Car and truck expenses: *See instruction on Car & Truck Expense
Worksheet below.
• Line 13. Depreciation: *See instruction on entering Depreciation/Assets
below.
• Line 17. Legal/Pro services: 550
• Line 22. Supplies: 500
• Line 23. Taxes & licenses: 350
• Line 24. a. Travel: 231
• Line 24. b. Meals: 900 *enter on the 50% field to the left, amount will
calculate on the right to $450 deductible expenses.

Step Three: Line 9. Car & Truck Expenses

The Car & Truck Expenses on the Schedule C are calculated by entering information on the Car &
Truck Expense Worksheet. Vehicle information related to the Business Activity, in this case the
Ms. Thomas’s Piano Tuning Schedule C, will need to be entered on the Car & Truck Expense
Worksheet, which will calculate Line 9 of the Piano Tuning Schedule C.

1. To add the vehicle asset from the Schedule C, press [Ctrl+N]

2. The All Forms and Schedules window will open on the Depreciation Tab. Press [Enter]
to select Car/Truck Vehicle Allocation.
3. Click the New Asset Button.
4. Type Truck in the Description field and 01/01/2023 as the Date Placed in Service.
5. Select the Business Class Code 5 for Special Use Vehicles / Equip and Trucks and then
press the Ok button. The Asset Manager window opens on the General Tab.
6. On the General Tab, enter in the Original Cost or Basis $15,000 and answer the
questions on the screen about the vehicle asset accordingly as shown below.

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7. Select the Mileage/Expenses Tab. In the Mileage/Expenses Tab enter the following:
• In the Total Vehicle Mileage enter 10000
• In Total Commute Mileage enter 100
• In the Avg. Daily Commute Miles enter 25
• Click in the Activity Name line. Notice that Piano Tuning will be displayed as
the available activity name. To the right of Piano Tuning, under the Pre 7/1
Miles and Post 6/30 Miles columns enter 4849 respectively. Under Total
Mileage column, you will see the combined total 9698 from both columns.
• Check the boxes on the questions at the bottom of the Choose Asset Class
window. These questions will ask if there is evidence to support your
deduction and if so, if the evidence is written.

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 8. Click the Depreciation Tab. This is the tab where the deprecation that is allowed for
the asset will display. On this tab, you also can make adjustments to the depreciation.
Since we are not making any adjustments click the Close button.
9. A special depreciation screen will pop up. For the purpose of this tutorial, leave it as is
and click OK.
10. Click on Return to List button and then click Close to return to the Schedule C.
This now completes entering a Vehicle Asset. Notice the Standard Mileage Deduction amount of
$5,868 on Line 9 of the General Information section on the Car and Truck Worksheet located on
the Attached Forms list. This amount will be carried to Line 9 of the Piano Tuning Schedule C.

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You can now proceed to the next step in order to enter the Depreciation/Asset information for
the Piano Tuning Schedule C.

Step Four: Line 13. Depreciation

For this tutorial, there is a photo copier that needs to be entered as an asset for the Piano Tuning
Schedule C. The depreciation for the copier will then be calculated and carried to Line 13 of the
Piano Tuning Schedule C for Ms. Thomas. Follow these steps to enter the Asset Detail and
calculate the depreciation.
1. In the top left hand side under the Attached Forms list, click on Depreciation.

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 Note: This can also be done by pressing [Ctrl+N] on your keyboard.

2. Double-click on SCH C Piano Tuning and the Business Activity window will open as shown
below.

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3. There are currently no Assets entered for the Piano Tuning Schedule C. To add the new
asset, click on the New Asset button.
4. The Asset Details window will open. Click once on Class 03, Typewriters, Calculators,
Copiers.
5. At the Description field type Printer and press [Tab].
6. You should now be at the Date Place in Service field enter 01/01/2023 and click on Ok.

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7. Your cursor should now be positioned at the Original Cost or Basis field under Federal
field. Type 3891 for the Original Cost or Basis amount for the Printer and press [Enter].
8. Click on the Depreciation Tab to open the Depreciation Calculations window, displaying
the breakdown of the Federal and State Depreciation calculations.
9. Click the Close button. The Bonus Depreciation window will open, leave everything
unchecked and click on OK.
10. Now you will view the Asset Details for the Printer asset for the Piano Tuning Schedule C,
with a Basis of 3891 and Depreciation of 3891 due to the TJCA depreciation allowances.
11. Click on Return to List to return to the Business Activity window and click on Close to
return to the Piano Tuning Schedule C.
12. Go to Line 13 on the Piano Tuning Schedule C and you should see 3891 as the amount on
Line 13 Depreciation. Go to Line 31 and the Net profit or (loss) for the Piano Tuning
Schedule C is $1,860.

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At this point, the Piano Tuning Schedule C is complete and you can move on to the next step.

Step Five: Additional Schedules

The Taxpayer had some Jury pay during the year.

1. On the left had side under the Attached

Forms you will see SCH 1-SCH 3.

2. Please Note: Schedules 1-3 will display on a

needed basis or when added manually like
any other form, unless the “Auto-Add 1040
Schedule 1-3” is checked in the Office
Setup of the software. If the Schedules do
not display add them manually by going to
Add Form and adding the schedule.
3. Go to the SCH 1- INC & ADJUSTMENT and
click on line 24a Jury duty pay adjustment.
4. In the amount field type 75.

Step Six: Verifying the return

1. To verify the return, click on the Verify button.
2. Double click on the US RET 1040 Must check either YES or NO box Warning error. It
should take you to the following field.

3. For the purposes of this tutorial check the No box and press [Enter].
4. This should take you back to the Return Errors and Reject window. Double click on the
CLNT Information Required Field Missing Warning error.
5. This should take you to the Information and Status screen. Enter an X in the Signed 8879
box.
6. Click on the Verify button or press [Ctrl+V] to start the verification routine again.
7. If there are any Verify errors, correct them using the same process used in previous
tutorials until only the 8879 verify errors remain.
The Balance Due amount should be $263. Click on the Save button on the toolbar to save the
return.

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Step Seven: Completing Form 8879
1. Double click on the Form 8879 located to the left of your tax return under the Attached
Forms window.
2. The cursor will be positioned on the Refund Type field. Enter the number 4 for Balance
Due and press [Enter].
3. The cursor will now move to the EFIN# field. The EFIN number should already be entered
for you if you have setup your EFIN as Default EFIN in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of the
Setup menu. If the EFIN number is not auto-populated, please enter your EFIN number
here and press [Enter].
4. The cursor will now move to the Home Phone number field then the Work Phone field.
These should be auto-populated from the Client Data Screen. Press [Enter] twice to pass
the Home Phone and Work Phone fields.
5. The cursor will now move to the Taxpayer PIN field. When electronically filing a return,
Form 8879 with PIN signature(s) must be used. A 5-Digit PIN must be entered for the
Taxpayer, Spouse (if applicable) and Preparer (any 5-digits, not all Zero’s).
6. Enter 12345 for the Taxpayers PIN and press [Enter] 6 times to move to the ERO/Paid
Preparer (PP) PIN.
7. In order to complete Form 8879, the Part III – Declaration of Electronic Return Originator
(ERO) section needs to be completed. The information in Part III provides the ERO
information to the IRS for the tax return. The program will auto-populate the information
in Part III, including the ERO PIN, from the EF Originators database based on the EFIN at
the top of Form 8879. If a Default EFIN was entered in the Office Setup, E-Filing Tab of the
Setup menu and the EFIN information in the EF Originators database, this section will be
auto-populated.
Note: If using more than one EFIN and/or Paid Preparer in an office, use the
Choices button to select the EFIN and or Paid Preparer information to auto-
populate the ERO/PP information on the appropriate fields on Forms 8879 and
1040.

8. If the ERO/Paid Preparer PIN field is blank, enter a PIN, any 5 digits that are not all Zero’s
and press [Enter].
9. If the ERO/Preparer information is not completed, enter the needed information,
including: Name, Address, City, State, Zip and Phone number fields.
This will complete Form 8879 and there should not be no more verify messages. You can move to
the next step in this tutorial.

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Step Eight: Finishing the Return and using the SignDoc Feature
1. At this point, you have two options to proceed. You can press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue
Return for Transmission window, or press [Ctrl+P] to print the return.
2. For this return, click on the Print Button at the very top of the screen. The Print Final
Return window will appear.
3. IF you have a Signature pad click on the SignDoc button. The Capture Taxpayer Signature
Window will appear. At this point, the taxpayer would sign the return. In this case, enter a
signature in place of the taxpayer and Spouse for this example and click on Accept. A PDF
with the taxpayers and spouse signature will automatically open. Included with this should
be the tax preparer’s signature if it was configured in the software already.

4. IF you do not have a Signature pad, click on the Print button and when the Print Final
Return window opens click on the Print button to print the return.
5. Since Mrs. Thomas would like their return electronically filed, click on the Queue button
or press [Ctrl+T] to open the Queue Return for Transmission window.
6. It is recommended that you Do Not Transmit this return. This is used as a reference for
tutorial purposes only. On the Queue Return for Transmission Window click on Close.
Note: In a real scenario after opening the Queue Return for Transmission window,
you would click on the Queue Button to queue the return.
7. Click on Return from the toolbar menu and then click on Delete Return. The Delete Return
window opens asking if you want to delete this return. Click on Yes to delete this return.
Click on the WIP button or press [F2] to return to the Work in Progress screen.

Congratulations! You have completed Tutorial #6!

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