Networking allows tax returns, firm and preparer information, fees settings, acknowledgements, and updates to be shared between all of the computers in the office by storing them on the computer designated as the File Server. In such an environment, all of the other computers, aka Workstations, use a common configuration, so that a return created on one computer is available to be viewed or edited on any other computer on the network.
For most offices using Keystone Tax Solutions Pro, the File Server also functions as the Transmitting Computer. These two functions can be handled by different computers, however doing so increases network complexity as well as the potential for problems, so it’s generally best for one computer to handle both functions.
CAUTION: Keystone Tax Solutions Pro operates in a “peer-to-peer” environment, which means that the program must be installed on each computer. Do not attempt to use the program in a “client-server” environment, where the the program is installed only on a central server and the other computers attempt to run it from the server. You will encounter errors.
In addition to the File Server, there are two other kinds of computers in the Keystone Tax Solutions Pro network:
- Transmitting Computer – The Transmitting Computer is the computer that transmits electronically filed tax returns to the IRS. To make management of the system simple, the File Server is typically also the Transmitting Computer. In the System / Network Configuration Menu, you will answer Yes to the menu line “Transmitting from this Computer?”. Important: Only one computer should be designated as the Transmitting Computer.
- Workstation Computer – A Workstation is any computer other than the File Server. There is only one File Server; there can be any number of Workstations. A tax return created on a Workstation is automatically saved to the File Server upon exiting the return so that it can be accessed by any other computer on the network.
To determine the name of the File Server (for the purpose of configuring a Workstation), from the Main Menu of Keystone Tax Solutions Pro on the File Server select:
- Configuration
- System / Network Configuration Menu.
- Make note of the “Local Computer Name”. This is the computer the Workstations look to on the network.
To configure a Workstation, from the Main Menu of Keystone Tax Solutions Pro select:
- Configuration
- System / Network Configuration Menu
- File Server? – Answer NO
- “Transmitting from this Computer?” – Answer NO (assuming the File Server is also the Transmitting Computer)
- File Server Address – Type the File Server computer name in the “File Server Name” field.
- Click “Connect to File Server”.
Upon connecting to the File Server you should see a green-colored rectangle with the message, “File Server [IP address] contacted!” If you don’t see this message, verify you spelled the File Server name correctly, and verify that the Workstation and File Server are connected to the same router.
Caveats:
- Don’t work on a return on more than one computer at the same time. Errors will result.
- Keystone Tax Solutions Pro for tax years 2015 and prior required a “Network Drive” to be mapped in the Windows network. This was no longer required beginning with tax year 2016 software.
- Successfully networking Keystone Tax Solutions Pro requires that each computer in your office be attached to the same network router. For security and stability, we recommend network connections be made by network cable rather than by WiFi. Our Technical Support Group can provide helpful advice on setting up an office network.
Additional Resources:
Minimum and Recommended System Requirements
Error Message – Cannot Access Network Specific Files
For most offices using Keystone Tax Solutions Pro, the File Server also functions as the Transmitting Computer. These two functions can be handled by different computers, however doing so increases network complexity as well as the potential for problems, so it’s generally best for one computer to handle both functions.
CAUTION: Keystone Tax Solutions Pro operates in a “peer-to-peer” environment, which means that the program must be installed on each computer. Do not attempt to use the program in a “client-server” environment, where the the program is installed only on a central server and the other computers attempt to run it from the server. You will encounter errors.
In addition to the File Server, there are two other kinds of computers in the Keystone Tax Solutions Pro network:
- Transmitting Computer – The Transmitting Computer is the computer that transmits electronically filed tax returns to the IRS. To make management of the system simple, the File Server is typically also the Transmitting Computer. In the System / Network Configuration Menu, you will answer Yes to the menu line “Transmitting from this Computer?”. Important: Only one computer should be designated as the Transmitting Computer.
- Workstation Computer – A Workstation is any computer other than the File Server. There is only one File Server; there can be any number of Workstations. A tax return created on a Workstation is automatically saved to the File Server upon exiting the return so that it can be accessed by any other computer on the network.
To determine the name of the File Server (for the purpose of configuring a Workstation), from the Main Menu of Keystone Tax Solutions Pro on the File Server select:
- Configuration
- System / Network Configuration Menu.
- Make note of the “Local Computer Name”. This is the computer the Workstations look to on the network.
To configure a Workstation, from the Main Menu of Keystone Tax Solutions Pro select:
- Configuration
- System / Network Configuration Menu
- File Server? – Answer NO
- “Transmitting from this Computer?” – Answer NO (assuming the File Server is also the Transmitting Computer)
- File Server Address – Type the File Server computer name in the “File Server Name” field.
- Click “Connect to File Server”.
Upon connecting to the File Server you should see a green-colored rectangle with the message, “File Server [IP address] contacted!” If you don’t see this message, verify you spelled the File Server name correctly, and verify that the Workstation and File Server are connected to the same router.
Caveats:
- Don’t work on a return on more than one computer at the same time. Errors will result.
- Keystone Tax Solutions Pro for tax years 2015 and prior required a “Network Drive” to be mapped in the Windows network. This was no longer required beginning with tax year 2016 software.
- Successfully networking Keystone Tax Solutions Pro requires that each computer in your office be attached to the same network router. For security and stability, we recommend network connections be made by network cable rather than by WiFi. Our Technical Support Group can provide helpful advice on setting up an office network.
Additional Resources: