CCH ProSystem fx Tax. Evaluation Guide

Transcription

1 CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation Guide July 2015

2 , CCH Incorporated and its affiliates and licensors. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior written permission. Requests for that permission should be directed to: CCH Incorporated Hamilton Ave., Suite 200 Torrance, CA The contents of this publication are believed to be accurate. However, responsibility cannot be assumed for the information contained herein, and the consequences resulting from the use thereof. Material in this publication is subject to change without notice. This User Manual and the computer software it describes are designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. They are distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering accounting, legal, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. CCH ProSystem fx is a registered trademark of CCH Incorporated. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other brand, product, or company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

3 Contents Section 1 - Welcome to CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation 1 CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation Software 1 The Evaluation Package 1 Making the Most of the Evaluation Process 2 Thank You 3 Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 4 Installing This Release 4 Performing Workstation Setup 9 Section 3 - Using the Evaluation Software 11 Setting Up a Printer 11 Productivity Products 11 Interface Programs 12 Section 4 - System Requirements 14 CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation 14 For More Information 17 Contents iii

4 Chapter 1 WELCOME TO CCH PROSYSTEM FX TAX EVALUATION Section 1 - Welcome to C C H ProSystem fx T ax Evaluation CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation Software Welcome to CCH ProSystem fx, the integrated software suite designed to handle all of your tax and accounting needs. You have an evaluation version of CCH ProSystem fx Tax, our #1 rated tax compliance software. Evaluation versions of the following CCH ProSystem fx programs are available: Fixed Assets ActiveData Planning Contact your sales representative to request an evaluation version of these products. They will assist you during the evaluation period. On the CCHGroup Web site, you can also sign up to view live demonstrations of CCH ProSystem fx Document, CCH ProSystem fx Engagement, CCH ProSystem fx Practice Management, and other CCH ProSystem fx Suite products. The Evaluation Package The CCH ProSystem fx Tax evaluation software can be installed to an individual PC workstation or to a file server. If installed on a network server, as many as five workstations can access the evaluation software at one time. Once installed, the CCH ProSystem fx Tax evaluation software can be used for up to 30 days. A warning dialog will begin displaying 15 days prior to expiration. Upon expiration, you will no longer be able to access the program. The evaluation software for CCH ProSystem fx Fixed Assets, CCH ProSystem fx Planning, or CCH ProSystem fx ActiveData can be used for up to 30 days after being downloaded and installed. Section 1 - Welcome to CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation 1

5 Note: This software is for evaluation purposes only. Do not use this software for generating tax returns for filing purposes. To license the commercial version of a CCH ProSystem fx product, please contact your sales representative or call PFX-9998 ( ), option 1. Making the Most of the Evaluation Process To receive the maximum benefit from the evaluation software, we suggest trying all of the features described in the sections below. After installing the evaluation software, you can access the following features in the CCH ProSystem fx Tax application: Tax Field and Form Help. On worksheets, press F1 or select Help > This Field s Instructions to display specific tax help for the field in which you are working. Press F2 to display specific tax help for a worksheet. Tax Cross Reference Help. On government forms, press F1 when the cursor is in a field or select Help > Cross Reference to access an online cross reference help. The cross references can assist you in determining which worksheet input corresponds with a specific line on a government form. Release Information. Select this item on the CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation Help menu to access information about the tax and system updates for the latest release, technical bulletins, and product-specific helpful hints. Step-by-Step Help. Select Help > Step-by-Step to access written procedures for completing specific tax functions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Select from any selection list or tree to read the answers to FAQs. Help for CCH ProSystem fx Tax Applications. Select Help > Help Topics in any CCH ProSystem fx Tax application to access Help for that program. Help offers detailed procedures for performing basic functions within the application, including creating, calculating, and printing tax returns, as well as setting up office, user, and client information. The Help file also provides explanations for function keys and toolbar buttons. Press F1 on any dialog or command to access help for that dialog or command. What s New for Select this option on the CCH ProSystem fx Tax Help menu to read about this year s changes. CCH ProSystem fx Tax Productivity Products. Introductions are provided to other CCH productivity products such as Client Manager, To Do List, DataScan Plus, Engagement Plus, and G/L Bridge. Interface Products. Introductions are provided to interface products BNA, IntelliConnect, and CCH Client DataXchange, so you can familiarize yourself with these applications. See Interface Programs on page 12 for more information on CCH interface products. Section 1 - Welcome to CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation 2

6 Evaluating Other Products in CCH ProSystem fx Comprehensive online Help is provided to help you make the most of evaluating all of the CCH ProSystem fx products. Visit our Web site at for more information. Thank You We appreciate your interest in CCH ProSystem fx and hope you enjoy exploring its many features and capabilities. For more information on ordering applications in the CCH ProSystem fx Suite, call PFX-9998 ( ), option 1. Section 1 - Welcome to CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation 3

7 Chapter 2 INSTALLING THE EVALUATION SOFTWARE Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software Installing This Release What is Installed? The following CCH ProSystem fx Tax applications can be installed for evaluation: CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation Office Manager Client Manager DataScan Plus G/L Bridge G/L Direct To Do List Engagement Plus The supporting materials that can also be installed to your computer are as follows: Sample returns What's New for 2014 Tax products Individual/business extensions You have the choice to exclude some of these items during the installation process. Minimum recommendations for which products to install are included in the installation procedure. See Installing CCH ProSystem fx Tax on page 6. What is Available for Evaluation? The following documents are on the evaluation version. Select Start > Run, and then type x:\pdfs where x is the drive letter for the evaluation installation software. Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 4

8 The CCH ProSystem fx Tax Quick Start Guide The CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation Guide Sample reports General Installation Guidelines In preparation for either a standalone or network installation, do the following: Close all open applications. Disable active virus scanning. Disable screen savers. Select the drive on which to install the CCH ProSystem fx Tax evaluation software. Verify that a laser printer is installed on the workstation. Installation Guidelines for Network Users If you will be running the evaluation software on a network drive, run Workstation Setup as outlined in Performing Workstation Setup on page 9 after installing the program. Windows Users During the installation and workstation setup of CCH ProSystem fx Tax, the program may need to make registry entries and install system DLL files in your Windows System directory. To ensure files are properly updated, log on to your Windows workstation as an administrator prior to performing installations or running Workstation Setup. Restricted users might not have sufficient rights to properly install these system files. Once the installation or workstation setup process is complete, reboot the PC to ensure files initialize properly. Citrix Server Users You must sign on to the server as an administrator and execute the change user/install command to ensure proper installation of CCH ProSystem fx Tax applications. After installation is complete, log off or use the change user/execute command before continuing. We do not support installing CCH ProSystem fx Tax from a remote workstation to your Citrix server. DataScan Plus/CCH ClientRelate Requirements If you are licensed for DataScan Plus or CCH ClientRelate, you must install the FoxPro drivers. The drivers must be installed on each workstation. If you are using Microsoft Server 2003 or Server 2008, FoxPro drivers must be installed to the server. The drivers can be installed from the downloaded software. Select Start > Run, and then type x:\misc\fpdriver\setup, where x is the drive letter containing the evaluation installation software. Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 5

9 Installing CCH ProSystem fx Tax To install the evaluation program, do the following: 1. Follow the instructions provided by your sales representative to download the evaluation installation software. Note: If the evaluation installation process does not load automatically, do one of the following: Select Start and type x:\setup (where x is the location of the evaluation installation software) in the Search programs and files box. Select Start > Run and type x:\setup (where x is the location of the evaluation installation software). To show the Run command, select Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization. Click Taskbar and Start Menu to display the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog. Click the Start Menu tab, and then click Customize. In the list of Customize Start Menu options, select the Run command check box to display the Run command on the right side of the Start Menu. 2. Click OK on each of the two dialogs after reading them. The ProSystem fx Installation dialog displays with a list of applications that can be installed for evaluation. The following products are the minimum that we recommend you install and are automatically selected in the dialog: Tax Products Office Manager 2014 ProSystem G/L Direct Notes: Office Manager will include the installation of Production Processing. Production Processing provides a batch method of performing CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation tasks associated with high-volume activities, including calculation and printing. You can also install 2014 G/L Bridge and G/L Direct. G/L Bridge enables processing of tax interface data from Engagement, and G/L Direct allows trial balance data from third party general ledger products to be imported in CCH ProSystem fx Tax. 3. Select the other products you want to evaluate, then click OK. The 2014 Tax Products dialog displays. Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 6

10 4. Select the tax products to install. The federal and state entities for the selected products will be installed. 5. Click OK. The Destination Drives dialog displays a list of the products you selected to install. Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 7

11 6. Use the Destination Drive drop-down list to select the drive on which to install the products, and then click Assign to Drive. 7. Click OK. Note: If the selected drive does not have enough space to accommodate the programs you want to install, a dialog displays with this information. Click OK to return to the Destination Drives dialog so you can change your choices. To provide sufficient disk space for the products you want to install, either assign the products to separate drives or exit the installation so you can delete files from one of your drives. 8. Do one of the following: Accept ProSystem fx Tax as the name of the program group to be created. Select a different group name from the list. Create a new group name. Note: We will refer to the program group as CCH ProSystem fx Tax in the documentation. 9. If you do not want a shortcut folder on your Windows desktop, clear the Setup shortcut folder box. 10. Click OK when finished. The timed installation dialog displays. 11. Set the time you want the installation to begin. To install the software immediately, choose Install now. To postpone installation, select Delay Install and enter a time in hh:mm format, and then enter a date in mm/dd/yyyy format. Note: For best results, the computer onto which you are loading the software should not be used for other tasks until the delayed installation is complete. 12. Click OK to start the installation process. When installation is complete, a message confirming that installation was successful displays. 13. Before you can open CCH ProSystem fx Tax for the first time, the computer must be restarted. After selecting whether or not to open a return automatically, do one of the following: Click Yes to reboot your system immediately. If you checked Automatically open a sample return, CCH ProSystem fx Tax automatically launches after the reboot. If you installed the Individual tax entity of CCH ProSystem fx Tax, the system opens the General Information/Basic Data worksheet for a new Individual return. If you did not install the Individual system, the CCH ProSystem fx Tax Open Returns dialog displays. To view a list of sample returns, click Go in the By Criteria section of the Search Panel without changing Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 8

12 the selections in the search fields. To open a return, double-click its name in the list of returns. If you did not check Automatically open a sample return, you return to the desktop after the reboot. You can open the evaluation program at your convenience by double-clicking the CCH ProSystem fx Tax desktop shortcut or by selecting Start > Programs > ProSystem fx Tax > 2014 Tax Preparation. Click No to return to the desktop without restarting your computer. You can open CCH ProSystem fx Tax at a later time by double-clicking the CCH ProSystem fx Tax desktop shortcut or by selecting Start > Programs > ProSystem fx Tax > 2014 Tax Preparation. 14. To access CCH ProSystem fx Tax, enter EVAL as your User ID. No password is required. 15. To begin working in CCH ProSystem fx Tax, see the CCH ProSystem fx Tax Quick Start Guide, which also is included with this evaluation software. The CCH ProSystem fx Tax Quick Start Guide, wfxqs00.pdf, is located in x:\pdfs (where x is the location of the evaluation installation software). This guide includes several lessons to help you get started using CCH ProSystem fx Tax. 16. If you have installed CCH ProSystem fx to a file server and want to run the system on another workstation, see Performing Workstation Setup below. Performing Workstation Setup If you installed CCH ProSystem fx Tax to a file server and want to run the system on another workstation, complete the instructions below. The Workstation Setup program is installed with its own icon in the program group where the evaluation program is located. Note: A laser printer must be installed on the workstation prior to workstation setup. You can select from these options to configure your system for maximum efficiency: Setup icons. All calculations will be done with programs running on the file server. We recommend using this option for this evaluation. Setup workstation to run programs from local drive. By loading the executable portion of the program on a local drive, you may gain some processing speed. Loading program files on a local drive requires at least 1 GB of space. Setup this workstation as a Calc Server. (Available but not commonly used.) This option allows you to set up a calculation server to receive returns from other workstations. The system will download the program and application files to the drive(s) which you indicate when prompted. Setup Laptop as standalone system. This option is not available with this evaluation program. Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 9

13 Windows Users During workstation setup, the program may need to make registry entries and install system DLL files in your Windows System directory. To ensure files are updated properly, log on to your workstation as an administrator prior to running workstation setup. Restricted users may have insufficient rights to install these system files properly. Once the installation or workstation setup process is complete, reboot the PC to ensure files initialize properly. To set up a workstation to use the evaluation program from the network: 1. Select Start > Run and enter x:\wfx32\wssetup (where x is the drive where CCH ProSystem fx Tax is installed). 2. Click OK. 3. Select the Setup icons option and then click OK. The ProSystem fx Workstation Setup dialog displays. 4. Select the program group ProSystem fx Tax, then click OK to add all CCH ProSystem fx Tax applications installed on the network to the specified program group. 5. Click Setup on the next dialog to complete the setup. 6. Once your setup is complete, you may be asked to reboot your PC to ensure the new settings have taken effect. Section 2 - Installing the Evaluation Software 10

14 Chapter 3 USING THE EVALUATION SOFTWARE Section 3 - Using the Evaluation Software Setting Up a Printer CCH ProSystem fx Tax uses the printer you have set up as the Windows default printer unless you select another printer. 1. In CCH ProSystem fx Tax, select File > Printer Setup. 2. Either accept the default Windows printer, or click Select ProSystem fx Printer and use the drop-down list to select a printer. The printer you select here is used for all CCH ProSystem fx Tax applications. 3. Select Utilize True Type fonts for print processing to eliminate the need to download fonts when printing. Notes: The Use large capacity add-on printer tray when printing returns option is enabled on this dialog only if you have not selected to use TrueType fonts. If you selected to use TrueType fonts, the option to use a large capacity printer tray is on the Paper tab of the Properties dialog for the selected printer. To print to a fax or document imager, use the drop-down lists to select your fax and/or document imager driver from those presented in the lists. 4. Click OK to exit the Printer Setup dialog. Productivity Products The ProSystem fx Tax evaluation software allows you to access several additional applications, which are described in the paragraphs that follow. Shown to the left of each description is the icon for the application. Client Manager is used to establish and maintain client databases. You can configure services, billing, and staff responsibilities for each client. Client information is shared with CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation and other CCH ProSystem fx Tax applications as needed. The To Do List application helps you keep track of tasks you need to complete for each Section 3 - Using the Evaluation Software 11

15 client. To Do List is accessible from Client Manager, CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation, and Engagement Plus, as well as from the CCH ProSystem fx Tax program group. Engagement Plus allows you to track and report the progress of work in your office. Tracking can be based on dates, priorities, preparation tasks, or staff members. Reports based on due dates, engagement summary, and projected engagements are available, as are customized reports based on criteria you specify. Your ability to create reports expands to include information in the client profiles, as well as tax returns, when Engagement Plus is used in conjunction with DataScan Plus. The application is also accessible from Client Manager and CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation. DataScan Plus is a powerful tool that searches tax files and client profiles for all types of information using the search criteria of your choice. It also enables you to create export files, reports, and mailing labels. Interface Programs BNA and IntelliConnect Each of these programs must be configured in Office Manager before they can be used. To do so, open Office Manager, click Configure Applications, and then double-click the program icon. CCH DataXchange BNA. You can create a BNA interface file and open your previously licensed BNA Tax Projection software from within CCH ProSystem fx Tax. To use this program, you must first set up the configuration in Office Manager. IntelliConnect. Combines up-to-date federal, state, and international tax information with powerful search functionality. If you subscribe to IntelliConnect, your Web browser launches to access the U.S. Master Tax Guide, State Smart Charts, and Tax Prep Partner through IntelliConnect. DataXchange allows users to import or export tax information between CCH ViewPlan Estate Planning Suite and CCH ProSystem fx Tax for estate returns. Please see the Help file within CCH ProSystem fx Tax for instructions. You also will need access to CCH ViewPlan EPS. CCH ClientRelate ClientRelate is an innovative productivity tool for accounting firms that integrates the strength of IntelliConnect with the power of CCH ProSystem fx Tax. ClientRelate helps you manage your resources and easily integrates with your daily workflow - allowing you to save time and money, generate revenue, and focus on the most important element of your practice - your clients. Alerts you to new tax developments and quickly identifies affected clients Targets clients that may benefit from additional services Identifies new client service areas and opportunities for your practice Section 3 - Using the Evaluation Software 12

16 With ClientRelate, you ll have all the expert analytical research support and professionally developed tools you ll need to improve your efficiency and complete your client services. Section 3 - Using the Evaluation Software 13

17 Chapter 4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Section 4 - System R equirements CCH ProSystem fx Tax Evaluation To view the system requirements for other CCH ProSystem fx products, visit our Web site at support.cch.com. Network Clients Using the latest version of network clients is recommended. Network Topology Microsoft Client for Microsoft Networks For optimum performance, 100 Mbps or greater is recommended. Note: Due to various factors inherent to the technology, when using wireless LAN technology ( n/ac) with CCH ProSystem fx Tax, users may experience slower performance than wired networks, especially in larger environments. Workstations - also applies to standalone 64-bit platforms using AMD x86-64 or Intel EM64T Technology (recommended) 32-bit platforms using 100% IBM -compatible PC, Pentium PIII or higher required (minimum) Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 (SP1) Ultimate, Professional, or Business Enterprise Editions Notes: Home editions are not supported. Offline Files (file caching) should be disabled. Microsoft Windows 8, 8.1 Professional and Enterprise Editions Section 4 - System Requirements 14

18 Notes: Standard Editions are not supported for Microsoft Windows 8 or 8.1 Windows RT editions are not supported. Microsoft Vista (SP1) Ultimate, Professional, or Business Enterprise Editions Note: Home editions are not supported. RAM Requirements 4 GB+ recommended for 64-bit operating systems 2 GB recommended, 3 GB maximum for 32-bit operating systems Additional Components MDAC version 2.8 (or higher) is required on each workstation. If MDAC is not detected during installation, the install program will load version 2.8. Microsoft Internet Explorer version 9 or higher. Note: When working in Worksheet View, if you are using Internet Explorer 10 in conjunction with Windows 8, focusing on a field containing data will display an X. Selecting X clears the information in the field. Microsoft Office 2007, 2010, or Notes: Microsoft Office 2010 is compatible with 2009 CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation or later. It will not work with 2008 CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation or prior. Microsoft Office 2013 is compatible with 2013 CCH ProSystem fx Tax Preparation or later. It is not compatible with 2012 and prior tax returns. Microsoft Office 64-bit editions are not supported. Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher. Crystal Reports v.9. Multi-monitor display. Multi-monitor support requires the primary monitor to be on the left. Monitor display. Small fonts with a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768.NET Framework 4.0. If not detected, the setup program will load version 4.0. Microsoft WSE 3.0. If not detected, the setup program will load version 3.0. Microsoft Silverlight 5.0. If not detected, the setup program will load version 5.0. Communication. Access to some features or information may require Internet connection. Section 4 - System Requirements 15

19 Disk Space Requirements Program files - 1 GB Federal Individual programs MB - 1 GB per product Federal Business programs - 1 GB per product Client files - Average 5 MB per 100 clients (50 KB per client) Citrix /Terminal Server Requirements Microsoft Server 2003 Terminal Server Microsoft Server 2003 with Citrix Microsoft Server 2008 Terminal Server Microsoft Server 2008 with Citrix Microsoft Server 2008 R2 Terminal Server Microsoft Server 2008 R2 with Citrix Note: For additional information on Citrix supported environments, see File Server 100% IBM -compatible PC, Pentium PIII or higher required Memory per network operating system recommendations Note: The number of applications you plan to run on a server, the prospective concurrent users, and available bandwidth should be taken into consideration when determining the specification for the file server. Network Software Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (SP2 or greater) Microsoft Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2 (SP1 or greater) Linux (kernel or higher, Samba 2.2.3a or higher) Virus Scan/Real-time Scanning Software Real-time virus scanning must be excluded on all CCH ProSystem fx Office directories on both file servers and workstations. Wfx32 also needs to be excluded from other real-time scanning such as real-time backups or file replication programs/services. Note: If exclusions cannot be made in file replication programs/services, then they need to be disabled during installations or program updates. Anti-Virus scans and/or program backups can be done when users are not active in the program, but should not be done while active users are present. Section 4 - System Requirements 16

20 Note: For data integrity and firm security, you should scan all files on your system on a regular basis. However, these full scans should not be performed when the data is in use, as in when users are logged in. Using file exclusions allows your scanning software to continue to do its job against the rest of your system while ignoring the excluded directories. You may want to run a full scan with no exclusions at the start of the day before anyone is logged into the CCH ProSystem fx products, or perhaps run an automated scan after hours. The key is not to have open CCH ProSystem fx files when the scan is initiated to run without exclusions. Laser Printer At least 2 MB of RAM Printer must use PCL 5e or PCL 6 drivers Note: GDI/Host based printers are not supported in a Citrix /Terminal Server environment. Compression CCH ProSystem fx files and folders must be excluded from any data compression. Communications High-speed Internet connection (DSL or higher) is required for downloading program updates. Installation Drive Letter A major consideration in the installation of CCH ProSystem fx Tax in a Windows environment is determining a usable network drive letter for the installation. The drive letter you choose must be at least one letter beyond any local drive assignments on the projected workstations. For example, workstations one through five have an A: drive and a C: drive. Workstation six has an A: drive, a C: drive, a D: drive, and a CD-ROM reader connected to drive E:. Therefore, for all workstations (one through six) to be able to use CCH ProSystem fx properly, a network drive assignment of F: or greater is needed. After the installation is complete, users will need to connect to the network and run Workstation Setup (WSSETUP) on their respective computers. Note: If you are installing to a network from the server, make sure that the drive letter is mapped to the physical drive. For More Information The most up-to-date product information, including detailed system requirements and more, is available at CCHGroup.com. If you will use multiple CCH ProSystem fx products within the same system, call PFX-9998 ( ) and ask to speak to your sales representative to discuss your system's capabilities. Section 4 - System Requirements 17