Select the Tax Returns Menu from the Main Menu of the program. This screen will provide you the option to create a new return or edit an existing return.
To create a new tax return, enter the Social Security Number of the taxpayer and press the < ENTER > key. The program will guide you through entering the taxpayer’s personal information, dependent information, initial healthcare questions and W-2 entry.
Form 1040: The Form 1040 Main Menu is the central location of a client’s tax return. You can enter all appropriate information, complete the state return, view the return, and mark the return for electronic filing from the Form 1040 Main Menu. The main portion of the screen houses an image of Form 1040. This section is setup exactly like the actual Federal Form 1040. The top of the page contains personal information such as the name on the return, SSN, filing status, dependents, etc. The main portion lists the figures that would appear on the 1040 form. Double-click in any field on the interactive 1040 screen to be redirected to the menu for that item. The personal information entries can be accessed just like the other entries on the screen by double-clicking in the field.
Menus: At the top left side of the 1040 interactive screen a list of menu options is displayed. These menus are listed in the same order as Form 1040. When you select one of the menus, you will be taken to the section of the Form 1040 where the information can be entered. For example, if you select the Income Menu, you will be taken to the income menu where you can enter W-2’s, 1099’s, Business Income, etc. If you select the Adjustments Menu, you will be taken to the Adjustments Menu where you can enter moving expenses, student loan interest deduction, alimony, etc.
These menus can be accessed by selecting them with your mouse or by keying the number corresponding to the menu item in the ‘Enter Option‘ box and pressing the < ENTER > key.
Forms: At the bottom left side of the 1040 interactive screen you will find the Forms section. The Forms section has two options, Form Finder and Forms Completed.
Use Form Finder to locate a form or a menu within the program:
- Click on the Form Finder tab
- Search through the list or type in the form number or first few letters of the form name in the ‘Search for Keyword’ box
- Press the < ENTER > key or double-click on the form to access the form menu in the program
Forms Completed
Use Forms Completed to view a list of forms completed:
- Click on the Forms Completed tab
- This will list every form that is associated with the return thus far
- Double-click on any form to access the form menu to make any adjustments.