CIT Enterprise Edition Setup Guide FOR TAX YEAR 2016

Similar documents
Preparer s Editions Setup Guide

Professional Editions Setup Guide

Professional Editions Setup Guide

TaxAct Professional Client Xchange User Guide

Drake Zero User s Manual

TaxAct Professional Reports User Guide

1040 Quick Start Guide

TaxAct Professional Reports User Guide

User s Guide. (Virtual Terminal Edition)

Web1040 User s Manual Tax Year 2017

E-filing User Guide: Los Angeles Superior Court

MyCaseInfo Attorney User's Guide. A Best Case Bankruptcy Add-on Tool

CONTENTS. SETUP SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS Existing User New User (Enrolled by Employer or Self)... 18

Welcome to your Lacerte products! We appreciate your business.

Drake Hosted User Guide

Building Standards Department Markham eplan Applicant Handbook For Building Permits, Sign Permits and Zoning Preliminary Review

Walkthrough ULTRATAX/1065. Tax Year 2016

2 New Company Setup OBJECTIVES:

BUSINESS BANKING ONLINE. Deskside User Guide

User Bulletin 2881: Electronic Filing 1040 Processing 2007 UltraTax/1040-US Version January 11, 2008

Easthampton Savings Bank Online Business Banking User Guide

I. ATTORNEY ADMINISTRATION OVERVIEW...3. HELP CENTER...4 Documents Web Tutorials Online Seminar Technical Support INVITE A CLIENT TO MYCASEINFO...

U s e r s g U i d e 1

Online Services USER GUIDE. First Time Log In

2013 Product Catalog. Quality, affordable tax preparation solutions for professionals Preparer s 1040 Bundle... $579

Humana Access Online User Guide. Simplify your healthcare finances with convenient, online access to your tax-advantaged benefit account

View Payments. User Guide. Online Merchant Services

TrueFiling User Guide. Release 3.0.3

ROAMpay TM. X4 User's Guide

Expert PR Taxes User s Manual Payroll November p f P.O. Box San Juan PR

First Data Global Gateway SM Virtual Terminal User Manual

Account Access User Guide. How to login, make payments and manage your accounts. Any day, anytime, anywhere.

/ 1. Online Banking User Guide SouthStateBank.com / (800)

Professional Preparer s 2009

Mobile Banking Online Banking Features Dashboard Pending Transactions Account Export Bill Pay Online Bill Pay

CHAP LinQ User Guide. CHAP IT Department Community Health Accreditation Partner 1275 K Street NW Suite 800 Washington DC Version 1.

Includes all of the following a value of over $695:

ALL MEMBERS AND PAYEES

Sage One Accountant Edition. User Guide. Professional user guide for Sage One and Sage One Accountant Edition. Banking. Invoicing. Expenses.

AN INTRODUCTION TO QUICKBOOKS ONLINE. Getting Started Guide

Sterling Virtual Terminal. User Guide

What s New Guide Merchants

Get the most from your Health Savings Account. Your guide to your HSA and online account access

Business Mobile Banking Quick Reference Guide

NextMark User s Guide. Order Processing Brokerage

Keep It Easy Software Cloud User Manual

Rev

/ 1. Online Banking User Guide SouthStateBank.com / (800)

WELCOME to Qantas Group isupplier

How to Order a Four Panel Brochure through Print Services. Go to the Print Services Web Page and select the Online Store link.

Odyssey File & Serve. Review Queue User Guide Release 3.11

Rev oneclicktelecom.net

Electronic Signature & Storage. Rollout Guide

Portal User Guide Member Features

USER S GUIDE Last Modified: 04/08/2013 1

TSYS GUIDE. Logging into the TSYS Gateway

PROMAS Landmaster. Questions and Answers. Questions below. Questions with answers begin on page 5. Questions

Online Banking Overview

Mobile Banking with Mobile Deposit FAQs

Paperless Tax Office Automation

Publisher Onboarding Kit

WebStore User Guide. For Lifetouch Yearbook Users

North Dakota Court System Frequently Asked Questions

Meritain Connect User Manual. for Employees. 1 Meritain Connect User Guide for Employees

WalkThrough ULTRATAX/1041. Tax Year 2013

eservices checklist Online account access estatements Online bill payment Mobile check deposit (requires mobile app) Debit card

What s New Guide Merchants

VITA/TCE Training. Installing TaxSlayer Pro Desktop TaxSlayer, LLC

About MassMutual Electronic Bill Presentment & Payment

GLOBAL TRANSPORT VT & BATCH SOLUTION

AT&T Cloud Solutions Portal. Account and User Management Guide

Page Topic 02 Log In to KidKare 02 Using the Navigation Menu 02 Change the Language

Participant Reference Guide for Flexible Spending Accounts

Participant Reference Guide

v1.0 Rentec Direct Sync with Quickbooks User Manual

SUGGESTED DEFAULT TEMPLATES FOR TWO 2009 January 10, 2010

Intellix Payments Reference Guide

Participant Reference Guide

Electronic Payments & Statements (EPS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

JHA Payment Solutions. MASTER Site Funds Verification jxchange. Client Training Guide. ipay Solutions December 2016

Business Bill Pay User Guide

Sappi Ariba Network. Summit Guided Session: Account Configuration

TOOLBOX CS. Getting Started. version 17.x.x

GoSystem Tax RS. Using GruntWorx to Populate. Paperless Tax Office Automation. Topics in this Quick Start Guide NEED HELP?

Welcome to the Investor Experience

Difference Card Mobile

Personal Banking Upgrade 2.MO Guide

Your guide to

Customer Portal Step-by-Step: Create your MyActon Customer Portal Account

BuycPanel.com Licensing Addon Module v5.3

Reference Services Web Portal

Business ebanking User Guide

CAQH Solutions TM EnrollHub TM Provider User Guide Chapter 3 - Create & Manage Enrollments. Table of Contents

Sponsor User s Guide

OSP Quick Start Guide

Guide to Newbury Building Society s Online Intermediary Service

2017 ACA Form Processing Large Employers

HOW TO ENROLL...3 To Enroll in NBT Online Banker and Bill Pay... 3 Existing NBT Online Banker and NBT Online Banker for Business Users...

FF Flex Mobile App. Easily manage your healthcare benefit account from your mobile phone!

Direct Deposit User Guide

Transcription:

CIT Enterprise Edition Setup Guide FOR TAX YEAR 2016

Thank you for choosing TaxAct CIT Enterprise Edition. We look forward to helping make this your best tax season ever! Remember, TaxAct s dedicated Professional Support Team is available to assist you every step of the way. TaxAct s Online Help Center: Get immediate answers to common questions at taxactprofessional.com/support Email: Can t find the answer? Email your question. Go to taxactprofessional.com/support and click Email Us Phone: Dedicated tax, technical, & customer service help via phone. Call 319-731-2682 during business hours: Tax Season Off Season Monday Friday 7:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. (CT) 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Closed Sunday 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Closed 1

Table of Contents Click on any title to navigate directly to that section. Create your TaxAct Account, Download and Install Create Your TaxAct Account Install Your Software Download Installation File Install Your Software Online Networking Install State Editions Installation FAQs Set Up the Software Practice Info Preparer Info Permissions Tab Invite Tab Set Master Information Defaults Set Master Forms Defaults Copy Master Information to Client Returns Import Last Year s Client Returns Import TaxAct Returns Import from Portable Document Format (PDF) Add/Edit Client Returns Navigating Client Manager Add a Client Edit Existing Client Return E-file Client Return(s) E-file Multiple Returns Other Return Actions Print Returns, Labels, Reports, and Invoices The Print Center Print a Client Return Print Client Organizers Print Consent Forms Print Labels Print Reports Print Invoices and Billing Statements Additional Resources Professional Reports Client Xchange 2

Create your TaxAct Account, Download & Install TaxAct CIT Enterprise Edition is installed by downloading the software from CIT Partner Services (your online CIT Account at www.joincit.com). Enterprise Editions files are stored online to TaxAct s secure servers. Be sure to verify the system requirements before installing the software. Create your TaxAct Account before Installing the Software You must create your account from CIT Partner Services to ensure you install the correct version of the software to reflect CIT s special pricing model. You will create the User Name and Password you will use to access the software when installed. TIP: You cannot use an email address associated with use of any previous TaxAct programs, personal or professional, when creating your TaxAct Account. 1. Go to joincit.com and click the LOGIN button in the upper right corner to access CIT Partner Services. 2. Click on the Create TaxAct Account button on the right under your company information. 3. Complete the Create TaxAct Account screen and click Create My Account 4. On the Account Security screen, enter two security questions and click Save and Continue. 3

5. On the CIT Preparer Creation screen, enter the Firm Name and other firm information. Click Continue. 6. Locate your Practice ID in the upper right corner of the Practice Manager screen. Write this down and close the window. 7. Return to CIT Partner Services and download 2016 Federal software from Download Center below. 8. Once installed, open TaxAct 2016 and Sign In. 9. Click Preparer, Master Information, Preparers and start entering your data. Download Installation File from CIT Partner Services 1. Go to joincit.com and click the LOGIN button in the upper right corner. 2. Sign in with your Username and Password you created when you enrolled with CIT. 3. Go to the Software Download Center 4. Select the package you wish to download, for example 1040. 5. Select Federal (which must be installed before installing states). Install Your Software 1. Open the downloaded program file. On the initial screen, click Next to begin the installation. 2. Select the checkbox next to I Accept the License Agreement, then click Next. 3. Accept defaults and click Next, or click Browse to change the destination location, then click Next. 4. For Automatic Updates, make sure the checkbox is selected, then click Next. Click Finish in the next window. 5. On the Sign In screen, enter your username and password, click I m not a robot, and go through the screens until you get to the Verification Code screen. Enter the verification code you received in an email and click Don t ask again on this computer if that is your preference. 6. Repeat steps for 1040, 1041, 1065, etc. 4

Online Networking You can edit and access your Practice, Preparer, Client, and Return information through a secure online account anywhere, anytime. You'll need to sign in to Practice Manager each time you open the TaxAct software with this option, so please ensure you have a stable Internet connection before proceeding. This allows your practice to access returns from multiple locations. 5

Install State Editions All State editions are downloaded from the CIT Partner Services portal. 1. Log in to Partner Services via joincit.com. 2. Scroll down to the Software Download Center. 3. Click on the State you want to download. 4. A prompt will appear in the lower left corner of your screen. Click the arrow and click Open. 5. Click Yes to allow changes to your computer. 6. You will see a series dialogue boxes for the State you selected. 7. Proceed through the dialogue boxes by clicking Next to begin the installation. 8. Make sure the box is checked for automatic updates on program start up. 9. Click Finish to complete the State installation. 6

Installation FAQs I downloaded the program file but can t find it on my computer. How do I find it? Try any of the following: repeat the download process, use keyboard shortcut CTRL+J in your web browser, or find the Downloads menu item or icon on your Web browser. You can also use Windows search to locate the installation file on your computer. TaxAct installation file names begin with "ta16" (where 16 is the last two digits of the tax year). Why am I getting an error when clicking on the installation file? A temporary or partial file may have been created during the download process due to connection issues. This is usually designated with something added to the filename, such as _part. To avoid this problem, check your browser for progress messages, set your browser to run downloads directly, or use a different browser. What are TaxAct s system requirements? Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows 8 or 8.1, Windows 10 Monitor: 1024x768 or larger (16-bit color minimum) Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or later, AMD Athlon 64 or later Mouse: Required RAM: Refer to your operating system requirements Printer: Highly recommended Hard Drive Space: 100 MB Web Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 9.0 or greater Internet Access: Required for electronic filing and online features 7

Set Up the Software The first time you launch the software, the TaxAct Setup Wizard will walk you through set up steps. If you were with CIT last tax season, your Master Information will carry forward so you don t have to key that information in. If you were with TaxAct the prior year but have a different TaxAct account than your CIT one, select I have data in another account to import prior year online master information. If you are new to TaxAct, select I am a new TaxAct user. Next, click Continue to SetUp Wizard and it will guide you through entering data for Practice, Preparers, Client Status, Directories, and General Preferences. For best results, complete every tab in the setup window before clicking the OK button. To access each section individually after the initial setup, click Preparer > Master Information. 8

Practice Info Each practice is assigned a unique alphanumeric identification code called a Practice ID. Your Practice Information was imported or entered when you created your TaxAct account via the CIT Partner Services portal. Your Practice Information will appear on tax returns, labels, letters, and other correspondence. If you have multiple preparers in your practice, each preparer will have the same Practice ID. Your Practice ID, EFIN and the preparer s PTIN (or SSN) must be entered to e-file. For a preparer to be linked to your Practice, you must invite them and provide them with your Practice ID. Details on the Invite function are in the Preparers section which follows. Preparer Info The next step is to enter information for each Preparer in your practice. You must enter at least one preparer in order to continue the setup process. Note: The first preparer you add should be yourself. To access the full Preparers menu, click Add New Preparer to enter information, keeping the following in mind: In the Basic Information section, selecting the IRS may discuss option will populate the Third-Party Designee field on the return with PREPARER. Check the Use My Practice Information box (in the Address section) to link the preparer to the Practice. Enter None if the IRS has not yet issued a CAF number (you must submit Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative to the IRS to receive a CAF number). Be sure to enter a valid email address for each preparer. This is necessary to invite preparers to your online network. 9

Electronic Filing Info Your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) is required to e-file returns and should be entered on this screen. This is also where the preparer s Practitioner PIN and Republic Bank Identification Number (RBIN) are entered. The RBIN is received once the preparer completes Republic Bank online training. IRS Implementing New EFIN Requirements for Tax Professionals & Software Companies As part of its efforts to prevent tax preparer fraud in tax year 2016, the IRS is requiring tax software companies to collect and verify EFIN Tracking Numbers from its professional customers. Your EFIN Tracking Number appears on your IRS e-services Summary. Sign in to your IRS e-services account to view and print your e-services Summary. For help printing a copy of your IRS e-file Application Summary, follow these stepby-step instructions. If your EFIN has been verified by TaxAct in a previous year, you do NOT need to resubmit your e-services Summary. However, if you did not use TaxAct in tax years 2013, 2014 or 2015, you must email a copy of your IRS e-services Summary to TaxAct at EFINcertificate@taxactservice.com to avoid tax-time processing delays. It can also be faxed to 319-447-4674 Attn: EFIN Verification. You will receive an e-mail from TaxAct confirming we have received your EFIN verification. This process needs to be completed for each EFIN used in your practice. 10

On the Electronic Filing Info tab, you have a choice of adding credit card information in the Electronic Filing Info tab, or with each e-file only return. Credit card information is required for e-file only returns, when a bank product is not chosen. This information is masked once entered and not visible to any one accessing the software. If no credit card information is entered in the Electronic Filing Info tab, you will be prompted for credit card billing information each time you e-file. Tip: Double check that you ve entered your credit card information correctly so that your e-files are not rejected due to insufficient prepaid funds. Permissions Tab With TaxAct for CIT, you can assign permissions to each preparer. Practice Administrator - The first preparer you add to your practice will be the Practice Administrator by default (this cannot be removed). The Practice Administrator permission can be given to other preparers in the practice by checking the box for User is Practice Administrator on the permissions tab in their preparer information. Anyone with the Practice Administrator permission will be able to: o o o Modify other preparer s permissions Invite other preparers to join the practice Deactivate (or reactivate) preparers Permissions are divided into 2 categories: Practice and Preparer Information and Client and Return Information. 11

Practice and Preparer Information Edit Practice Information Allows user to update the Master Information for the practice Edit Preparer Information Allows user to update the Preparer Information for any preparers within the practice Edit Client Status Options Allows user to edit existing status, add new status, or delete status for Client Return Status and Client Pay Status Change General Filing Settings Allows user to change Filing and Printing options from the General Master Information tab Change Miscellaneous Settings Allows user to change Miscellaneous options from the General Master Information tab Change Calculation Settings Allows user to change Calculation options from the General Master Information tab Edit Master Forms Allows user to change Master Forms information, including Charge by Form, Billing Invoice, Instruction Letter, and Schedule K-1 Letter (in application product versions) Client and Return Information Create New Returns User can create new client returns Open Existing Returns User can open existing client returns that they have permission to view Delete Existing Returns User can delete existing client returns that they have permission to view Import Client Information User can import client returns from PDF or prior year TaxAct data Export Client Information User can export client information in a customized or comprehensive comma separated (.csv) or tab delimited (.txt) file Print Client Information User can print client returns, organizers, consent forms, labels, and reports View All Clients in Practice Choose which clients a preparer can view: o Entire Practice o Only Assigned Clients 12

Invite Tab To grant network access to other preparers in your practice, the practice owner must Invite them to join your practice via email. If you are the practice owner, you do not need to invite yourself (you are automatically added to your practice s network). To send other preparers in your office, select the Invite tab, then click Send Email Invitation. Your Practice ID is not automatically included in the invitation email. For this reason, it is very important to provide the preparer with your Practice ID. This can be done by adding it in the Additional Comments section of the Invitation. 13

Click Send when you are ready to send the Email Invite to the preparer. The email invitation will include a unique link the preparer must click to create his or her own TaxAct Account. The preparer must enter your Practice ID to link to your practice. Your invited Preparers will have access to the following areas of Practice Manager in their TaxAct Account: Orders & Downloads* Professional Reports Practice Administration (EFIN Verification only) Client Xchange (if purchased by the Practice) Resources My Info My Preferences Since TaxAct for CIT is customized software, you and your preparers should perform software downloads directly through CIT Partner Services. Of the above functions, only Professional Reports (for reporting on the go) and Client Xchange (if purchased) will be of use to CIT partners. Your invited preparers will not have access to Preparer Invitation in Practice Manager. Only the Practice Administrator has access to the Preparer Invitation function. 14

Set Master Information Defaults The Master Information feature consists of the following tabs: Practice (after initial setup) Preparers (after initial setup) Client Status Directories General To access Master Information after the initial setup, click Preparer > Master Information. Client Status Tab Click Add New Status to create a custom message to appear in the Client Return Status and Client Pay Status columns of Client Manager. Directories Tab The Directories tab displays where certain documents, such as returns, temporary files, and checked-out files are stored. It is best to not change this information. Click Restore Default Location to return the directory to its default location. General Tab From here, you can set preferences for filing, calculations, and miscellaneous preferences. 15

Set Master Forms Defaults Once you make all your Master Info selections, you ll want to set defaults for various forms you use in your practice. To access Master Information, click Preparer > Master Information > Master Form Data. From here you can choose the form you want to set defaults for: 1040, 1065, or 1120. A dialogue box with the following tabs appears: Charge By Form Billing Invoice Instruction Letter Charge by Form Tab This feature allows you to set default billing rates by form. Use the Select Type dropdown menu to switch between Federal forms and State forms. Master Billing Invoice Tab This is where you can: Assign custom invoices Select the Charge by Form method or list a flat preparation fee Charge a separate electronic filing fee Create custom fees List separate charges for preparation of Federal and State returns Apply a local sales tax amount Apply a discount percentage Add comments as needed 16

Master Instruction Letter Tab From here, you can set preferences for the formatting and content of your filing instruction letters, including: Letterhead Date parameters How to refer to your practice (e.g., me or us ) Whether to include your name in the signature area Copy Master Information to Client Returns TaxAct allows you to apply Master Information changes to an individual return or to all returns. You can choose to select by form type or by clients. Click Preparer > Master Information > Copy Master Form Data to Clients(s). Select All Return Types or 1040 from the drop down. Then click Select All or click individual Client names to select. Then click Select Forms to Copy. Select the Master Forms shown that should be transferred to the selected Clients. When done, click OK. 17

Import Last Year s Client Returns Information from last year s returns can be imported into TaxAct Enterprise Edition for CIT. You can import: Prior year returns created with TaxAct PDFs from other supported tax preparation software. Import TaxAct Returns 1. Click File > Import > TaxAct 2015 Client Return(s). 2. Select Locally on my PC or network if you were with TaxAct in 2015 but did not use the online version. With this option, you will then need to locate and select the file to import. 3. Select On TaxAct s Secure Servers if you used the online version of TaxAct or were with CIT in 2015. With this option, you will need to select the client returns you wish to import for 2016. You can Select All, Select Page or select individual clients. 4. Click Import Clients. You will receive a message when the import process is complete. The return(s) will be added to the Client Manager with a status of Imported. 18

Import from Portable Document Format (PDF) TaxAct imports key data from PDFs of 1040 returns prepared by many software programs: ATX CrossLink Drake Intuit Tax Online Intuit Lacerte Intuit ProSeries TaxAct Preparer s Editions TaxSlayer Pro TaxWise To import returns in PDF form: 1. Click File > Import > Prior Year 1040 PDF Data. 2. Select the tax software you used in the prior year. Click OK. 3. Locate the file on your hard drive. Select the PDF files you d like to import. 4. Click Import. The client s Basic Information is shown. Review the information and make any necessary corrections, then click OK. You will receive confirmation when the import process is complete. The return(s) will appear in Client Manager with a status of Imported. 19

Add/Edit Client Returns You can add, edit, and delete client records in the Client Manager, which displays all current client information and the status of each return. To access Client Manager after the initial setup process, click Preparer > Client Manager. From within a return, click the Clients button. Navigating Client Manager The information fields in Client Manager will populate as you add returns. To open a return, double click the desired client record. To add or edit a client s information or return, click the client name in Client Manager. Once the record is selected, you can find additional menu items in two ways: 1. Right click the client record to access the menu, or 2. Use the Quick Link buttons: Add a Client Open Currently-Selected Client Return Edit Currently-Selected Client Information Delete Currently-Selected Client Return Search for a Client Open Client Manager Print Center View Preferences 20

Add a Client (and associated return) 1. Click the Add a Client button. If you didn t complete the Master Forms section of the setup process, you may be prompted to do so. It is recommended to fill out all Master Forms prior to adding clients. 2. Select Add New 2016 Client, then click OK. a. Click the Client tab and fill out the basic information for the client. b. Click the Preparer tab to assign a preparer, set the Return Status and Payment Status, and make any notes related to the Preparer assignment. c. Click OK to save the client record and create a new return. (Turn on the auto-save feature if prompted). Edit Existing Client Return. 1. Click the client record in Client Manager. 2. Click the Open Client Return button or menu listing, or double click the client record. 3. The return opens in Forms Explorer, where you may edit or review forms directly. To switch to the Q&A interview method, click the Q&A button in the toolbar near the top of the page. 21

E-file Client Return(s) E-file Center When you re ready to e-file a client return, we recommend using the E-file Center, where you can submit single or multiple returns. From here, you can also view e-filing information for other preparers in your practice and navigate to e-file and refund status reports. To access the E-file Center, you must be in a client s return. Click on the E-file button in the navigation menu. E-file a Single Return 1. From the E-file Center, click the first link, Submit Electronic Filing Return. This will open to a screen in the Q&A view. 2. Select File Electronically and click Continue. 3. When e-filing your first 2016 return: If you have not entered your Practice ID, EFIN or PTIN (or SSN) in Preparer Info, you will be prompted to enter the missing information. You will then be asked to sign in to your TaxAct Account so that the e-filing information in your software is synched with your TaxAct Account. 22

4. A screen titled E-Filing-Topics will appear, where you can navigate to specific e-file topics (see list below). You can return to this screen at any time by clicking Back or continuing through all the screens for a topic. The list of topics is client-specific and depend on the details of that client s return such as whether there is a refund or liability. Topics include: PIN Method In this required step, choose Self-Select PIN or Practitioner PIN via Form 8879, then enter related information. Refund Method If client is receiving a refund, you must choose direct deposit or check or bank product, then enter the required information for the refund method. If your client wants their bank product to be a direct deposit or check, be sure to select bank product at this step. IRS Payment Method If client owes money to the IRS or state, you must choose how they will pay direct withdrawal, credit card (pay now or pay later) or paper check. Print Center (optional) From here, you can print your client s federal and/or state return and filing instructions. You can also print state forms from here, including Form 8453 and other e-file signature documents. Contact Information (optional) Go here to designate an email address and/or mobile phone number if you or your client would like to receive e-file status notification. Miscellaneous Information (optional) Enter In Care Of information here. 5. After completing the E-Filing Topics, complete the screens to sign your client s return. (Information required for signature depends on whether Self-Select PIN or Practitioner PIN was chosen.) 6. Then begin TaxAct Alerts, which check the return for potential errors, omissions and tax-saving opportunities. Make any necessary changes to the return. 7. Continue through the next screens to submit the e-file. 23

E-file Multiple Returns Batch e-filing is a convenient tool that allows you to complete client returns while you wait for receipt of payment. To batch e-file client returns, you must prepare returns for submission by completing steps 1 through 6 above for each return. 1) Complete steps 1-6 above (for e-filing a single return). 2) Continue through the Submit Return screen. 3) On the Create and Submit screen, choose Submit Later to place that return into a holding directory. When you are ready to submit a batch of returns: 1) Click Preparer in the main menu, then select Submit Client E-files. You can also navigate here from the E-file Center by clicking the second link, Submit (Batch) Electronic Filing Returns. 2) A popup window with all client returns ready for submission will appear. Check the returns you would like to submit. Note: You can also delete a return pending transmission in this window. Deleting simply removes the file from the holding directory it does not delete the return or alter the information in the return. If you delete a file from the holding directory, you must again complete steps 1-6 above for e-filing a single return. 3) After selecting at least one return, the Submit button will be enabled. Click Submit to transmit the selected returns. 4) When submission is complete, a confirmation window will appear. You should also receive an email notification from TaxAct indicating the returns have been received. Other Return Actions Delete a Client Return 1. Click the client record in Client Manager. 2. Click the Delete Currently-Selected Client button. 3. A dialogue box appears asking if you are sure you want to remove the selected client. Click Yes to delete the tax return file and the client information stored in Client Manager. Click No to cancel. 24

Search for a Client Click the Search button and enter text. Click Next. Open Client Manager Print Center Click the Open Client Manager Print Center button. (See Print Returns, Labels, Reports, and Invoices, later). View Preferences 1. Click the View Preferences button. 2. Choose settings for your Client Manager, Electronic Filing Manager (Practice Administrator only), and specify miscellaneous preferences. Work on Files Offline (Online Network Option) Although you need an internet connection to sign in to Practice Manager and initially access your client returns, you do have the option of working on files offline. 1. Select one or multiple client records in Client Manager. 2. Right click and select Check Out Return(s). 3. Browse to a local folder to store your offline file(s). 4. To return the files to the Online Network, select the appropriate client records in Client Manager again. Right click on the selected record(s), then select Check In Return(s). (You will need an active internet connection.) 25

Print Returns, Labels, Reports, and Invoices The Print Center The Print Center offers multiple printing options in one convenient place. Multiple documents can be printed in one job. The Print Center also consolidates the printing of client returns, organizers, consent forms, labels, and blank forms. You can access the Print Center in any of the following ways: Select any Print command under the Preparer top menu, From within a return, click the Print button found in the toolbar under the main menu. From within a return, click File > Print Client Returns Print a Client Return Before printing, make sure to set your printer preferences by following these steps: 1. Click File, Print Setup. 2. Select your printer and modify property settings if needed. (Default printer settings will generally allow you to successfully print documents from TaxAct), then click OK. When printer preferences are set, continue with printing: 1. Click Preparer, Print Returns. This will open the Print Center window (see image above). 2. Click the Client Returns tab. Select the return(s) to print, or click Select All to print all returns at once. 3. Enter quantities for each desired document. 4. Click Select States or Select Reports to print related materials, then click Print. 26

Print Client Organizers What is a Client Organizer? The Client Organizer is a portfolio of client return information designed to help you obtain tax information in advance. Imported returns will include prior year tax information to compare with the current tax year. New for 2016! Client Organizers have been reorganized to better meet the needs of your clients. A Miscellaneous Questions and Comments section has been added to each organizer. The Client Organizer portfolio includes: A Cover Sheet Personal, Dependent, and Health Care Information Wages and Dividend Income Interest Income, OID Income IRA, Pensions, and Annuities, Schedule K-1 Business Income and Expenses Farm Income and Expenses Rent and Royalty Income and Expenses Farm Rental Income and Expenses Capital Gains and Losses, Other Income and Adjustments Itemized Deductions Child Care Expenses, Education Expenses, Estimated Tax Payments To print Organizers, click Preparer in the top menu, then Print Organizers. 1. Select the clients for whom you want to create Organizers. 2. Select the Print Applicable Organizers radio button to print only the documents that directly apply to the client s return. 3. To choose specific Organizer documents to print, select Print Selected Organizers instead. Select the items to include in the organizer, then click the Print button. 27

Print Consent Forms TaxAct s bank partners require taxpayers to sign an agreement document before transactions can be processed. To print the applicable document(s) with the client returns in the Print Center: 1. Click Preparer, Print Consent Forms. This will open the Print Center window. 2. Click the Consent Forms tab. 3. Select the Client and Bank. 4. Enter the desired number of copies, then click Print. Print Labels From the Print Center, click the Labels tab. You have three options: Print Client Labels, Print Preparer Labels, and Print Other Labels. Client Labels 1. Select the client(s). 2. Select Show All Clients or Show Federal Estimated Tax Payment Clients. 3. Choose options for printing Married Filing Joint clients. 28

Preparer Labels To print return address labels: 1. Choose the preparer. 2. Edit the address shown if needed. Print Other Labels You can customize address labels for other uses, such as paper-filed returns, tax payments, and personal messages to include on client correspondence. Setting Label Properties To format any of your labels, click Label Properties. 1. Set the print job based on your printer type and label size. 2. Click Set Font to access a list of available fonts and modify the text style and size. 3. Once you have set your preferences for the labels to print, click Print. Print Reports You can print any of the following reports in the Client Reports menu: Adjusted Gross Income Average Client Fees Billing (All, Paid, or Unpaid) Client Manager Contact List Mailing List Practice Summary Self-Employment Update Summary 2017 Federal Estimated Tax Payments 29

Custom Reporting Choose this option to select the fields for your reports. To add or remove a field, click the appropriate field name from either the Fields Not Included or Fields Included box. Click Add or Remove as appropriate. To change the display order, click the appropriate field name within the Fields Included box. Then click Move Up or Move Down until the fields are in your preferred order. Print Invoices and Billing Statements Available reports include: Print Client Manager Adjusted Gross Income Average Client Fees Billing Paid Billing Unpaid Billing All Contact List Practice Summary Mailing List Update Summary Self-Employment 2017 Estimated Payments 1. From within Client Manager, select a client. 2. Click the Open Print Center Quick-Link Button. 3. Click the Client Reports tab, and then choose the desired report. 30

Additional Resources Professional Reports TaxAct Professional Reports are accessible from your TaxAct Account (Practice Manager) or from within your Professional Edition software. TaxAct Professional Reports provides you with summary and detailed information about e-files by status, EFIN, PTIN and settlement type. Refer to the Professional Reports Guide to learn how to access the reports and navigate through the system. Client Xchange Client Xchange is a convenient and secure website portal that enables you and your clients to safely exchange tax information from any device with internet access. Easily upload and download all the tax information you and your clients need to share in seconds from photos of Form W-2s and receipts, to CSV files of stock transactions and PDFs of client organizers and final tax returns. If you are a single-preparer office, sign in to your account and click on the Client Xchange tile to purchase. Otherwise, talk to your practice owner today about purchasing Client Xchange. (For all preparers in a practice to have access to Client Xchange, it must be purchased by your practice owner.) Refer to this guide to help set up your Client Xchange website, invite clients and manage files. 31